Depotstrasse 43
3012 Bern
Bahndepot Aebimatt
Renovation of an engineering masterpiece
Planning and execution
1910 - 1913 Construction by Terner & Chopard Ingenieurbüro Zurich, 1910
1918 Renovation of the truss bases due to rotting
1996/1999 Various extensions and additions
1998 Installation of photovoltaics
2003 Various interior fittings
2008 Safety measures (tree trunks)
2018 - 2023 Truss renovation
2025-2028 Repair of façade/roof & demolition of extensions (1st stage)
Architects
SSA Architects AG BSA SIA
Client
Swiss Federal Railways SBB
Civil engineers
Timber construction engineer: Indermühle Bauingenieure htl / SIA, Thun
Test engineer: Paul Grunder AG, Teufen
Other
Timber constructor: Kühni AG, Ramsei
Further information
The locomotive shed in the Aebimatt is unique in terms of its typology and engineering. It was built in 1910-1913 as a purely wooden structure (Hetzer construction) and will be used by the SBB as a stabling facility in the future. After cracks were discovered in the unique wooden trusses in 2008, the hall was provisionally supported with tree trunks. Following intensive structural analyses, including a load test, and in close consultation with the heritage authorities, the stability of the building was restored without the use of tree trunks by installing a sub-tensioning system in 2023. These unique witnesses to the history of timber construction with their strong architectural identity could be preserved with this measure and also fulfil their spatial function again.
Visits and guided tours
Type of visit: Guided tours in groups, no individual tours
Registration: required
Group size: maximum 25 people
Meeting point: in front of the side entrance - the route is signposted from the stairs at Muesmattstrasse 9
Directions
Bus no. 12 / 100 / 101 to "Inselplatz"
Important information: Please use the stairs at Muesmattstrasse 9 and not the access via Stadtbachstrasse (security).
Location
Depotstrasse 43
3012 Bern