The Breon Engineering team had the great honour to work on the ”Bahnhofstrasse 32” project in Zurich. The collaboration with WaltGalmarini AG was an important milestone for the team. All drawings had to be digitized according to the latest Swiss standards and carefully examined so that the conversion could be carried out without errors.
Breon was commissioned to create the 3D models with attributes, the demolition, the formwork plans and the CFRP reinforcement plans.
Find out more about the project and the path that led the company to this success story from the man behind the vision – Breon’s Managing Director, Mr Fikret Zendeli.
1. Firstly, can you walk us through the journey that got you here today? What was the first thing you did when you started your company?
After finding the premises for our first office, the first thing I did was to buy light bulbs at the bazaar in Skopje and really started from scratch, as this photo can relatively well testify.
*The first office of BREON in Skopje
In hindsight, an incredible work ethic (working 15-16 hours a day, no more than 4 Sundays off from April to December 2010). Work, work and work again coupled with an incredible conviction that we will manage to produce a quality of service absolutely above average even for the Swiss market. The projects in which we have been allowed to participate are a confirmation that this goal has been achieved, which makes me incredibly proud. Responding to trust with the best possible quality was and is an integral part of Breon.
*Mr Fikret Zendeli, the CEO of BREON and Founder of Social Friday Activity
2. Breon was a part of the engineering team behind the project on Bahnhofstrasse, 32 in Zurich. Can you tell us more about this project?
It was the biggest challenge we’ve had the privilege of tackling so far.
A conversion is almost always more complex than a new build because you have to take into account the (listed) history of the building and combine parts of it with the new build. And along the way, you always come up against unknowns for which you have to develop efficient solutions.
Challenging was the fact that we had to create a precise 3D model with the associated attributes from existing plans from 1914 (something that does not yet exist in this dimension/constellation in Switzerland), at the same time the Bahnhofstrasse in Zurich, is one of the 3 most expensive streets in the world, which was strongly expressed in the quality and time requirements.
This means entering new territory and gaining a lot of experience, while at the same time having to meet the enormous quality and schedule requirements. To reconcile all this is only possible with hard work, discipline, concentration and conviction. Thanks to the team and the client for their trust!
3. The involvement of Breon as a small company located in Macedonia in such an eminent project for Switzerland is really special. What was the process of Breon becoming a partner in this project?
Years of building trust through outstanding quality and reliability.
It is important to keep in mind that participation in such a project is only possible through enormous trust in our reliability and quality, as we play a key role in the entire process.
Our documentation is the basis for the construction of the shell. This means that if our 3D model and plans are delivered late or incorrectly, there will be significant difficulties and additional costs for all parties involved. And this is one of the three most expensive places in the world.
I was aware of this great responsibility, and I am grateful that the client placed this enormous trust in us. This trust was an incredible incentive to live up to our motto ”To trust we respond with quality”.
4. What were the challenges for the team on this project, and what were the perks?
The big challenge was to understand the as-built plans and the history of the building under enormous time pressure and to create an accurate 3D model within a very short time. This was the basis for the entire further development of the project, including the specialist planners. If our 3D model had been faulty, this would have had a direct negative impact on the building services. In this project, the building services have a greater financial value than the renovation of the building itself.
We were privileged to do pioneering work under very challenging conditions.
*A render from the project on Bahnhofstrasse 32 (Leuenhof) in Zurich
5. This is a project that is non-comparable to nothing done so far in Switzerland. Can you please explain what makes it so unique?
The scope of the rebuild, the technical challenges and the use of the latest software technology, and all under the highest quality and time pressure.
6. Breon Engineering is constantly expanding and searching for like-minded people to join you. Can you tell all the interested engineers about this opportunity?
If you want to be part of an environment where quality performance and character count and are valued, then you are invited to join forces with us and become even better together!
Ethnic, religious or sexual backgrounds don’t matter to me, anyone who has the will, talent & character to produce the best quality possible is welcome!
7. And lastly, if you had only one sentence to give someone your best tip, what would you say?
Work, believe in yourself, turn all setbacks/disappointments into motivation to do even better, never give up and believe in the impossible, in the end, everything will fall into place and the “dots” will connect.
If you want to join our team, find our contact information here. We’d love to meet you!