The inauguration of the new Isabelle de Montolieu building took place in March. The result of discussions carried out by Retraites Populaires on behalf of the Vaud State Pension Fund (CPEV), the project’s approach was based on sustainable development and energy efficiency to allow the building to be awarded the Minergie-ECO label. This certifies compliance with ambitious requirements in eight areas relating to health, ecology, and the circular economy.
The project involved the partial deconstruction of a rental building dating back to the 1970s in order to make it sustainable. The basement was preserved as a support for a new building with 67 housing units intended for CHUV students and employees.
The CHUV will be able to increase its attractiveness by making these new apartments available to employees.
Pr. Nicolas Demartines, Managing Director CHUV
Specialised apartment
The fruitful collaboration between CHUV and EPFL, the future tenants, was commended by all those involved. On the upper-ground floor, it led to the creation of flat 92-001, designed to accommodate people with disabilities as they learn to live independently.
Outdoor facilities
Since the project is located on a particularly wooded plot, the existing flora has been protected and as many trees as possible have been preserved. Felled trees have been reused for external landscaping, and local wood used in various communal areas such as the sports structure, the access paths to the building, and the outdoor furniture made from tree trunks.
Over the years, a chain of trust and sustainability has been built up between contractors and partners, enabling this property to be built.
Daniel Grosso, Architect - Partner CCHE Lausanne SA
Sustainable development
The project not only met Minergie requirements, but also incorporated the ECO supplement, demonstrating a strong commitment to a climate-responsible approach. Representing so much more than a simple validation of the project's energy efficiency, this commitment also recognises our collective responsibility towards climatic issues.
To achieve the objectives, and design sustainable living spaces, effective collaboration between the architects, engineers, and other trades was required. This involved changes in processes and the choice of certain products.
In line with the ECO supplement, greenhouse gas emissions were minimised from the initial construction phase, making the building a shining example of climate commitment in line with Minergie values.
A significant step forward for environmentally friendly construction in Switzerland.
Vincent Luyet, Head of Communications Minergie – CECB
1 : Yves Froidevaux, President CPEV and Vincent Luyet, Head of Communications Minergie - CECB
2 : Pr. Nicolas Demartines, Managing Director, CHUV
3 : Daniel Grosso, Architect - Partner CCHE Lausanne SA
4 : Prof. Jocelyne Bloch, Head of Neurosurgery CHUV
5 : Eric Niederhauser, Managing Director Retraites Populaires
