Lausanne

Description of Exterior

• The design and deployment of the project began in 1990, but it was only in summer 1992 that construction began and was completed in 1993.
• The below ground parts are in reinforced concrete as are all the screeds. The exterior walls are in Heclaterm brick (mix of cement and volcanic rock) with a high insulation coefficient.
• The insulation, that fully meets standards with these bricks alones, has been improved even more by interior cladding with a double-thickness of rock wool.  
• The frames are mainly in wood-metal, making them extremely resistant to weather.  The windows are all in double glazing offering the best insulation co-efficient available in construction.
• The shutters are in aluminium, requiring practically no maintenance and, where there are no shutters, the windows have motorised aluminium blinds.
• The roof is also well insulated, the insulation as thick as the chevrons.
• The mansard roof is covered with Bardonnex tiles (used for Historical Monuments) and the lathes are placed much closer together than for a contemporary structure since there are 40% more tiles than required by standards. This was intentional to give a more imposing aspect to the roof which is basic architectural element.
• The sun blinds on the ground floor are motorised.
• The buildings stand on a plot of 5,001m2 consisting of extremely compact molasse.  The location, at the summit of a hill, eliminates any risk of floods, land slides or stagnant water.
• The total built volume is 2915m3 (“ECA” insurable volume), the constructed area on the ground is 283m2, the net floor area is around 600m2, not including the basements and garages that alone total 321m2.
• The buildings are set in grounds offering a backdrop of greenery comprising many different plant species, of which some one hundred year old trees.
• The property is in a sparsely populated villa zone and its planning permission gives the possibility of practically doubling the current footprint.
• An extension project was prepared in 2007 and the building permit was granted. The permit has currently expired but according to information provided by the owner, the formalities are simple to have it renewed. (See “Project” page)

Description of Interior

• The project designers gave great thought to the volume and the disposition of the various rooms in the house.  Special attention was given to allow natural light into the house.
• A lift serves the 4 floors.
• There were three priorities in the choice of materials, firstly the quality of their structure for absorbing and releasing heat in winter and coolness in summer, secondly coherence and aesthetic harmony, and lastly easy maintenance.
• The floors are in “Beaunotte” Burgundy stone, antique “tomette” terra cotta tiles, solid oak parquet laid diagonally (”point de Hongrie”) in the old style on sleepers, or fitted carpets in wool produced by major French brands.
• The ceilings are more than 3 meters high.
• There is oil-fired central heating with classic radiators, the only system that, combined with the materials used, allows excellent thermal inertia.
• Each radiator is fitted with a thermostat valve that, once it has been set, needs no further adjustment.
• The three antique fireplaces are in perfect working order. Each was is fitted with invisible heat recuperating system that helps regenerate the air in the room,  releases some of the heat produced and eliminates any feeling of dampness on rainy days.
• Each room has a phone socket connected to the central unit.
• Each room has a television socket connected to the cable network.
• Each room is has a large number of electric sockets (many controlled by the switches near each door.

The Basement

• Heated garage for 3 cars, automatic doors, access direct to the main house.
• 2 additional outside, adjacent garages.
• Large heated playroom/game room with WC/bathroom plumbing to be defined.
• Double storage cellar.
• Double air-conditioned wine cellar, constant temperature and hygrometry, dirt floor, mahogany shelves, fully insulated.
• Lift serving all floors (basement, ground floor, first floor and loft).
• Technical room for lift machinery.
• Technical room for oil-fired central heating and production of hot tank.
• Electricity control panels, telephone switchboard.
• Room for central heating oil tank (9,500 litres)
• Atomic Bomb shelter
• Several storage units

The Ground Floor

• Superb double-door entry with vast glass lobby, floor in “Beaunotte” Burgundy stone, electric floor heating.
• Spacious hall, floor in “Beaunotte” Burgundy stone, with antique tomettes.
• Guest WC washbasin
• Reception rooms following one after the other, solid oak parquet laid diagonally (”point de Hongrie”) in the old style on sleepers, high ceilings, access to the south and south-east terrace:

       – Large sitting-room with antique fireplace
– Bookcase in oak panelling, with antique fireplace, bow window.
– Dining room with access to the kitchen

The 1st Floor

• Parents’ suite comprising a double bedroom, dressing room, bathroom with Jacuzzi bath, shower with separate water jets, separate WC.
• 3 bedrooms to the south, one with mezzanine-office, each with bathroom, shower and WC.
• a room to the west.
• a room for staff to the north with shower and WC.
• Numerous cupboards and wardrobes.
• Lift.

The Loft

• Superb “family room”, with sloping ceiling, home cinema, air conditioned, refrigerator, numerous storage units, could be converted into an independent studio apartment.
• Bathroom with bath, washbasin and WC.
• Lift.
• Separate office with sloping ceiling, IT cabling, suspended file storage, air conditioned.

The Annexe

• Independent access from outside, access to the main house via the garage.
• Sitting room, dining room,
• Separate, fully-equipped kitchen (4 electric hot plates, oven, sink, dishwasher, refrigerator, freezer, washing machine, tumble drier, numerous storage units.
• Independent WC.

• Double bedroom, wardrobes.
• Bathroom with WC and bath.
• Storage room.

• 2 bedrooms.

Extension project

This project, developed by one of the most well-known architects in Lausanne, adds a large dining room, a fitness room and a vast covered terrace.  An interior patio is a feature of this project.  The basement areas will also be considerably extended.
The building permit renewal application file submitted for approval has been validated by the competent authorities and the building permit should be renewed.