As the building had not been renovated since it was commissioned, it became imperative to undertake the work necessary to adapt it to current requirements.
Situation
Clearly in line with the buildings constructed in the 1960s. The image it conjures up is perfectly typical of the buildings that made up what was then known as the “Cité satellite de Meyrin”, which underwent very sustained development over more than two decades.
The district plan at the time defined large-scale, geometrically pure buildings that created a noticeable mass effect thanks to their uniform facades, aligned in a chord line and developed in this case over nine levels above a partially hollowed-out first floor, in line with the dominant trend of the period.
This search for density is offset by the large, well-treed outdoor areas, which today benefit from extensive, well-developed vegetation.
As the building has not undergone any renovation since it was commissioned, it became imperative to undertake the work necessary to adapt it to current requirements, both in terms of user comfort and safety and operating standards.
The program therefore defines the nature of the major renovations to be undertaken to maintain the value of the building and bring it into compliance with current laws and regulations.
Project
Quality standards and modern materials in a reserved volume. The concept applied to this major project aims to achieve the above-mentioned technical and qualitative upgrading program, while respecting the original architecture, under the supervision and with the collaboration of the Monuments and Sites Department.
The technical choices made are aimed at achieving high performance levels in line with current standards. The entire building envelope has been restored, starting with the gable façades, which have been fitted with all-round insulation and finished with plaster.
The main facades are completely refurbished on the north-west side, with insulated glass on aluminium frames and integrated blinds.
On the other main face, to the south-east, the balconies were completely restored and fitted with projection canopies, with insulating glass mounted on metal frames. The waterproofing/insulation of the flat roof was also replaced, and the concrete, which had suffered from the effects of carbonation and had corroded reinforcing steel, was treated and levelled.
Fire-resistant landing doors, raised and secured balcony balustrades, almost all sanitary facilities and kitchens replaced, distribution of CVSE techniques entirely restored, are the main elements of the intervention.
The latter involved demolishing separate bathrooms, kitchens and WCs to rebuild service ducts and reinstall a new EC + EF sanitary network, as well as adapted hot water meters and electrical wiring. Autonomous emergency units were installed in basements and emergency stairwells, while all the lighting in the common areas was modernized. Heating is now metered by apartment, and ventilation has been completely reinstalled.
© Rainer Sohlbank
