The parallel architectural and engineering study mandates concerning the extension and sanitation of the Cressier road support point (CEC) have come to an end. It is the proposal of the multidisciplinary team led by the Frundgallina office which was selected for its multiple architectural and sustainability qualities. The extension will bring together on a single site the maintenance infrastructures of national and cantonal roads for the East of the Neuchâtel coast.
The Cressier support point (CEC) currently dedicated to the maintenance of cantonal roads and the national road of the East of the Neuchâtel Coast is cramped, dilapidated and no longer meets current standards. On the other hand, the requirements of the Confederation require energy renovation of the existing building. The realization of a mixed Confederation-Canton project quickly proved necessary and judicious given the needs of the two road owners, the possible future synergies and the pooling that the project would make possible.
AiTherefore, parallel study mandates (MEP) were launched, the objective of which was to obtain the best proposal for the sanitation and expansion of the CEC, to be integrated into a site already built and in operation.
Un college of experts composed of architects, representatives of the bridges and roads service (SPCH), the buildings service (SBAT) and the Federal Roads Office (OFROU) designated the winning team from among the three multidisciplinary teams selected for the MEPs. The proposal from the team led by the Frundgallina office, based in the Canton of Neuchâtel, was unanimously accepted by the college.
Lhe Confederation and the Canton wishing to carry out an exemplary project, the competitors had to meet demanding specifications in terms of sustainability. The functional quality of the project was also a key point, namely compliance with the development program, layout of premises and circulation on the site, all flows combined. The sanitation solution for the hall built in the early 1970s and the maintenance of winter activity on site during the work were among the important points to take into account. Participants also had to propose a qualitative project from an architectural point of view and optimally integrated into the site.
The winning project
LThe winning team correctly analyzed the typology of the current hall and managed to enhance the existing one, as well as to reinforce the qualities of the site by the precise implementation of the new extension volumes necessary for the program.
The hall is maintained in its original volume and its rules of composition are used as a basis for new constructions. The set of buildings defines a central triangular square where all activities are organized. The volumes, compact and rational, are all in a simple parallelepiped shape. The preserved building is transformed in its interior, both to limit the environmental impactonmental aspect of the project and as recognition of the existing built heritage. Reading and analyzing its construction serves as a common thread for new buildings. The result is an enhancement of the hall designed by architect Pierre Debrot and a great coherence of the project, which was affirmed and clarified throughout the MEP.
Lhe new hall, positioned along the Raffinerie road, serves as a sign for the road center. Built in wood, it uses the structural principle of the existing hall, composed of posts and lattice beams, completely freeing the floor space from any pillar.
Lthe team’s project to Frundllina and Lüchinger&Meyer thus fully meet the client’s expectations. Its concept of intervention, based on the 5R rule (Refuse, Reduce, Reuse or repair, Recycle, Return to earth)demonstrates that the conservation and use of what already exists as an archetype for new constructions brings added value to the whole and contributes to the building culture.
LThe winning project will be developed and refined for a future construction loan application. The State of Neuchâtel and the Confederation are delighted to see the project enter this new phase of development which, ultimately, will provide an efficient road maintenance center for decades to come.
Public exhibition of projects
The The public is invited to come and visit the exhibition of the winner’s boards and model, as well as other proposals received, from December 4 and until December 14, 2024 (except Sunday December 8) on the ground floor of the City of Students, avenue de Clos-Brochet 10, 2000 Neuchâtel.
LThe exhibition is open from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturdays. Entrance is free.
Informations : https://www.ne.ch/autorites/DFS/SBAT/Pages/Concours.aspx
Photo: model of the winning project (credit: Frundgallina).
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