The HiLo unit of the Next Evolution Sustainable Building Technologies (NEST) platform in Dübendorf, Switzerland, demonstrates the potential of digital concrete construction to lower embodied emissions and energy in the structure of buildings, reduce construction waste and minimize resource consumption. It also shows how the integration of advanced building systems in lightweight structures allows for energy efficient operation and high user comfort. HiLo stands for High Performance and/with Low Emissions. The unit is designed as a two-storey collaborative and flexible workspace with two closed offices and multiple shared, open office areas.

HiLo’s key innovations include: (1) a doubly curved, two-layered concrete shell, (2) a flexible formwork with on-site active control, (3) a rib-stiffened funicular floor system, (4) the integration of Ventilation, Heating and Cooling, (5) an adaptive solar façade, and (6) intelligent and learning-based operation.