FABIO FOSSATI - ARCHITECTES SA

The project is located in the centre of Geneva, at the corner of the “Fusterie” square and Rhone road, within the protection area of the Geneva lake shore. This particular location in the urban fabric has been the starting point of the architectural concept. The fish scales façade stresses the perspective and reinforces the corner situation of the building. 

A glazed facade replaces the former one, which was less transparent. The expression of the structural slab has been reduced to a few lines, which are light and underline the pattern of the façade. The integration of technical elements in a shallow raised floor and a suspended ceiling has allowed to get rid of the traditional windowsill and to achieve a more transparent architectural expression. The double skin completes the materialisation of the fish scales. The projecting angles incorporate a tinted glass with micro engravings. A LED lighting, which is located on the edge of the glass, lights up the engravings. The ochre colour has been chosen to match with the surrounding buildings.

The building works have been undertaken with the tenants remaining on site. The building site has been cut into three phases of one year each. The implementation has allowed to reduce the disturbances for the tenants, because only a part of the floor level was under refurbishment. 

Diverse technical and constructive elements were implemented to ensure the security and tranquillity of the users. After completion the building received the “Minergie” label. This has been possible thanks to the integration of the technical and energy aspects early in the process. The renovation allowed a reduction of 46% the heating need and of 54% electrical need.