Renovation of 1959 Building

The project at Rue de Genève 75 involved the renovation of a building originally constructed in 1959, typical of that era in terms of design and execution. The building comprises a volume of 14,513 m3 and a gross floor area of 4,919 m2. A total investment of 8.9 million was allocated to refurbish 47 apartments, 2,100 m2 of administrative space, and 1,345 m2 of office and retail space. The structure includes six floors, two mezzanines, and a basement.

Focus on Sustainable Development

The renovation aimed to achieve sustainable development by reducing energy consumption and optimizing operating costs while maintaining affordable rents. It also focused on improving living conditions, particularly soundproofing, which was substandard in the original construction. The intervention was designed to ensure that the external appearance of the building remained largely unaltered, except for modifications to the railings of the balcony loggias.

Functional Layout and Upgraded Interiors

Functionally, the complex features a strong base covering two levels, including the first floor and mezzanine, with administrative spaces on the second floor. The upper six floors house 48 modest-sized apartments, primarily two- and three-room units, with areas around 49 m2. Six one-bedroom apartments occupy an area of 21 m2 each. The layout includes rental areas around an inner courtyard and storage/delivery areas at the building's rear, utilizing the natural slope. All apartments underwent complete renovation, including interior cladding, sanitary facilities, and kitchens with new extractor hoods.

Project Completion and Key Players

The project, located in Rue de Genève 75, Lausanne, Switzerland, was completed in June 2008, with construction starting and finishing the same month. The architectural work was executed by M+B Zurbuchen-Henz Architectes EPFL-SIA-FAS, based in Lausanne. The project's completion aimed to offer a sustainably developed living space while addressing energy consumption and living condition improvements.