Rapin Saiz Architectes

Description

Located at the end of Rue des Bosquets in Vevey, within a heritage-protected perimeter, the existing building had already undergone a first vertical extension in 1902, followed by a series of arbitrary alterations over time. Due to its position, it concludes a sequence of contiguous façades while standing out as the only detached building within the ensemble. Formerly occupied by Nestlé’s historical offices and later by a local company’s administration offices, the building was converted into housing through the insertion of service cores, allowing the creation of two apartments on each floor. The interior elements that define the character of the spaces – timber panelling, wooden floors and moulded ceilings – have been preserved and restored. As the roof had been heavily compromised by previous interventions, the decision was made to demolish it and replace it with an additional full storey. Beyond providing two extra apartments, this intervention improves the building’s overall proportions. The extension is built in timber-frame construction for reasons of weight and ease of assembly. While respecting the fenestration and rhythm of the lower floors, the timber addition introduces a new variation. A newly added balcony gallery along the western façade extends the living spaces outwards and articulates the only façade devoid of stone ornamentation. This project reflects a careful approach to densification, balancing the preservation of the site’s historical identity with contemporary uses.