Project details

Student accommodation and a hostel

The site offers 7,925 m² of land close to the existing buildings of the Glion Hotel School.

Situation

Having achieved the status of UAS (University of Applied Sciences), the school, which already enjoyed an excellent reputation, saw its enrolment increase to such an extent that an additional building was required to accommodate student accommodation. Independently of the utilitarian purpose of the building, which offers 67 double and 13 single rooms, the program defined high quality objectives and the search for a strong image, capable of giving the building the reflection of a marked institutional character, while preserving, through the adoption of a simple structure, excellent flexibility of adaptation to future needs.

The program is completed by the creation of a foyer capable of hosting large events, as well as three shared kitchens on the upper floors, common rooms and a carnotzet. A 28-space underground garage completes the program.

Project

Typology of living spaces and communal areas: a special approach. Built on three levels plus first floor, the building’s overall massing is compact and regular, with the exception of the entrance façade, which features a large bay window.

The central courtyard, a key element of the project, is designed by the four interior facades; topped by a large zenithal daylight, this 420 m² courtyard defines spaces perfectly illuminated by natural light. The vast volume thus created forms the visual and functional heart of the building, ensuring relationships and exchanges within the construction.

The bedrooms, distributed throughout the floors around this large, luminous void, are particularly well-designed. All are equipped with a separate toilet and shower, and feature a washbasin area designed as a counter opening onto the room, enhancing the visual effect of depth. The sleeping area, fitted with various storage units, and a work area located near the windows, complete the meticulously designed layout.

The building is equipped with a dual-flow ventilation system, a comfort and operating-saving measure that is still relatively uncommon, especially in this type of construction. The overall structure is in reinforced concrete, with a metal roof over the central courtyard and flat slabs around the perimeter.

The external thermal envelope and PVC-framed insulating glass units are modern, cost-effective solutions that can be perfectly integrated into a building of this particular nature and high overall quality. In line with the previous construction phases, this new element of the Glion Hotel School stands out for both its original design and its high representative value, thus meeting the requirements of the program.