Housing development Avenue de Morges

Urban layout

In this district there are two morphologically different styles: The first, more urban, is of the contiguous type, a block with street frontage; the second, less urban, is discontinuous, of the Lausanne villa type. The project calls for an urban style matching its location, with a morphology both contiguous and discontinuous.

As a departure from the urban block (tenements with courtyard), the layout is divided into six parts, each representing a block that relates to the shape of the Lausanne villa. That urban form allows for both street-side frontage consolidation and the opening of these frontages to permit passing and traversing through the block. While the block can thus be easily traversed, each unit benefits from visual privacy and orientation in several different directions. Together, the six blocks form two protected squares which, by virtue of the openings, connect to the amenities of the district. The complex thus avoids the abrupt exposure to a frontal vis-à-vis and provides dwellings oriented in two or three directions. Moreover, the openings in the block follow the orientation of the bends in the terrain (south-west), giving the buildings a better exposure.

Outside spaces

In the center of the block there are two protected, enclosed residential squares – the first, essentially paved, serves as an outside extension of collective activities – the second, with trees and bushes, promotes relaxation. Within these squares there are six transition spaces in the form of thresholds, large steps following the topography, and wide strips of lawn

Typology

All blocks are five-sided: three large ones to the north, three smaller ones to the south. Each block is organized around a lighted staircase. The staircases lead to 2 or 3 apartments. Extending around the central distribution the floor plan for each level offers substantial flexibility in putting together different types of apartments. Each dwelling features a balcony as a protected, sunny outside extension.

Solid design and energy

The project, responding to stringent energy standards, is designed to qualify for MINERGY (energy star) label. Moreover, it takes into account health- and ecology-related construction methods, using environment-friendly materials that consume modest amounts of fossil energy.

The project also addresses the needs in terms of comfort and healthy conditions, a prerequisite for the MINERGIE-ECO label.