Urban Restructuring Initiative

The Ilôt du Centre project in Blonay, VD, is part of a long-term municipal goal to restructure the town center. This extensive undertaking involves mastering land aspects and defining building rights to achieve the desired urban coherence while respecting the village context. A significant component of this project is the multifunctional complex that integrates various functions and elements distinctively.

Town Hall and Housing Design

The constructed facilities include a prominent town hall, designed with three distinct layers: reception rooms on the first floor, office floors above, and finally the municipal administration hall. Additionally, three residential buildings are constructed in a unified architectural style with plastered walls, flat tiled roofs, and consistent metalwork, each varying in orientation, apartment types, color tones, and façade modeling. Special construction measures, such as unique waterproofing solutions and municipal sewage system restructuring, were required due to the geological conditions.

Retail and Residential Mix

The program features a Migros store with 1,400 m² of retail space, complementing the community center's 1,630 m². Additionally, a 120-seat restaurant, small shops, and branches of a bank and post office are all easily accessible from public spaces. The residential aspect includes sixteen 2.5-room apartments, twenty-one 3.5-room apartments, sixteen 4.5-room apartments including nine duplexes, and one 5.5-room duplex. The development also includes 171 parking spaces, proportionally assigned to the residential units, stores, and community center.

Fostering Community Interactions

The project's societal benefits are significant, with its well-thought-out integration of residential, commercial, and public spaces fostering community interaction. It is well connected to public transport and nearby parking facilities, ensuring high accessibility. Public spaces, such as the village square and station square, were designed through collaboration between the owner and municipality, enhancing the overall urban landscape and usability.

Construction Timeline and Leadership

The Ilôt du Centre project began construction in June 2007 and was completed by June 2009. The architectural design was led by Architram architecture et urbanisme sa from Renens, creating a significant urban development that meets the demands of both residents and investors.