Project overview

As part of its “Bus System 2027” sustainability strategy, Basler Verkehrs-Betriebe (BVB) is building one of the most advanced e-bus depots in Europe. This flagship project replaces the outdated Garage Rank facility from 1957 and creates space for 144 electric buses, along with the necessary charging infrastructure. Using lcmd as a central project management platform, the project is being digitally managed across all phases—from planning through to commissioning.
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‍Project name: New Garage Rank Building
‍Locatie: Basel, Switzerland
‍builder: Basler Verkehrs-Betriebe (BVB)
‍Archtiect: Itten+Brechbühl AG
‍Completion: April 2027
‍Usable area: 246,100 m³
‍Floor area: 40.080 m²

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‍Project complexity

Dismantling of old buildings during ongoing operation:
- Coordination of 144 bus routes during construction
- Phased dismantling without interruption of operation
- Complex logistics for material reuse and recycling
- Tight deadlines for grid electrification

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‍Technical challenges:
- Integration of 144 charging stations with up to 450 kW output
- Load Management for the Power Grid
- Fire protection strategies for lithium-ion batteries
- Climate control systems to ensure optimal battery performance

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‍Project initiation & context
‍The original Garage Rank facility, built in 1957 and extended in the 1970s, no longer met modern standards — especially regarding space, electrification, and sustainability. A full deconstruction was undertaken alongside a re-use concept, ensuring that raw materials were recovered and recycled.

‍Urban planning & design principles
‍The new depot is located in the northern section of the site, preserving land in the south for future urban development along Grenzacherstrasse. The architectural concept is based on a primary supporting structure aligned with bus movement patterns. Workshops and office areas are designed as a secondary structure, integrated into the overall layout.

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‍Functional structure
The building features four above-ground levels dedicated to bus parking with charging infrastructure. Additional spaces include a workshop, office areas, recreation and training rooms, as well as roof gardens with intensive greenery surrounding a pavilion-like structure.

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‍Sustainability & certification
‍The aim is a DGNB Platinum certification. Re-use approaches, roof and facade greening and CO₂ reduction are being pursued through energy-efficient construction and use of sustainable materials.

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Special Features of the Project

Re-use of building materials
‍Approximately one-third of the steel girders from the original garage (built in 1957 and extended in 1972) are being reused in the new structure — a deliberate contribution to the circular economy and CO₂ reduction.
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One of Europe's largest indoor charging system for e-buses
With 144 charging points spread across four above-ground levels, the facility is considered one of the largest indoor electric bus charging systems in Europe.

‍Redundant energy supply & charge management
‍The charging infrastructure is operated via two independent power networks. A smart charge management system optimizes energy use based on battery charge level, departure schedules, and overall energy demand — including ultra-fast charging points delivering up to 450 kW.
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‍Photovoltaic & battery storage
A photovoltaic system on the roof provides part of the electricity used in the facility. When surplus energy is generated, it is temporarily stored in repurposed bus batteries and reused later for charging operations.
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Advanced safety & fire protection design
The storage area is divided into fire protection zones, each accommodating a maximum of 16 buses. Additional safety features include sprinkler systems, fire detection systems, and internal battery cell monitoring for enhanced risk mitigation.

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Expandable Design & Urban Planning Considerations
‍‍The garage was intentionally placed in the northern section of the site to preserve land in the south for future urban development along Grenzacherstrasse. The structure has been designed for vertical expansion, with the potential to add one additional floor to accommodate up to 32 more buses.

‍Multifunctional space layout
Beyond the storage area, the facility includes a fully equipped workshop with rooftop work platforms, office spaces, training and recreation rooms, and a rooftop garden with intensive greenery surrounding a pavilion-like structure — enhancing both functionality and employee well-being.

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‍Challenge

‍The original Garage Rank facility from 1957 no longer met the requirements of a modern e-bus fleet. The key issues included:

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- Insufficient capacity to accommodate 144 e-buses
- Lack of dedicated charging infrastructure
- Outdated and inefficient building structure
- Complex logistics due to the parallel dismantling and new construction

‍- The need for a sustainable re-use strategy for materials from the old facility

‍lcmd solution

Using lcmd as a central project management platform, the entire project was digitally orchestrated across all phases — from planning to commissioning:

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‍- Digital coordination of dismantling and material tracking
- Integrated scheduling across all trades and disciplines
- Real-time monitoring of construction progress and milestones

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