Nicolas de Courten architectes

Description

The project is part of the development of the new «Gare-Casino» eco-district in Estavayer-le-Lac. The new neighbourhood redefines the connection between the railway station in Estavayer and the historic old town. The densification of these strategically located plots, in close proximity to public transport and the historic centre, provides an opportunity to create a new mixed-use, convivial neighbourhood. The main building is composed of a two-storey plinth referred to as the «platform», whose roof is fully landscaped and planted with trees. The plinth accommodates commercial and office uses directly connected to the new public square and the new bus station. Above this platform, three timber-framed residential buildings provide housing units with direct access to elevated gardens. The apartments offer dual-aspect layouts, with living spaces organised around corner loggias. The project was developed as a hybrid timber-and-concrete construction and targets Minergie-P and SNBS standards. The site is designed to comply with the principles of the 2000-Watt Society. The project also includes the development of public spaces, streets and squares linking the railway station, the new bus station and the historic town centre. Facilitated by the BIM methodology, the project development required close coordination among the specialised consultants, including architects, landscape architects, civil engineers and mobility engineers.