From the very beginning, the building was designed to blend seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Positioned at the upper part of the plot with a deliberately vertical architecture, its footprint has been minimized, leaving as much room as possible for green spaces. Seventeen trees have been planted, including several large-growth species that enrich the urban landscape. Existing trees — notably a century-old sequoia — have been carefully preserved.
“Thinking of the building as a living organism that interacts with its environment.”
This involves rigorously applying bioclimatic principles. The orientation has been carefully planned to reduce energy needs: no north-facing openings except for a skylight to create a light well, small windows to the south, and larger openings to the east and west to take advantage of the mountain views.
This configuration maximizes natural light while controlling the risk of overheating. Screen blinds will complete the system, filtering the sun’s rays during the summer months.
A sustainable building must be adaptable. The clean, functional architecture of our offices allows for flexible use: spaces can evolve without major structural changes. While currently dedicated to work, they could tomorrow accommodate other functions, such as residential living.
The building’s shape and envelope have been designed to maximize energy efficiency. Heat loss is minimized thanks to its compact form, enhanced wood-wool insulation, and careful treatment of thermal bridges. Double glazing ensures both thermal comfort and natural light, while the size and placement of windows have been calibrated to prevent summer overheating.
Heating and cooling are provided by an air-to-water heat pump coupled with a low-temperature hydronic floor. No artificial air conditioning is needed: natural ventilation and the building’s compactness reduce energy demands.
A bike storage room on the ground floor encourages staff to favor sustainable mobility.
The use of bio-based and locally sourced materials has been central to the project: a bio-based timber frame, emblematic of Alpine construction, offering high performance, low carbon impact, and a strong connection to the regional identity.
Zinc cladding ensures durability and elegance, while wood-wool insulation enhances thermal comfort. All materials were carefully selected for their low environmental impact and health safety.
The construction relied on the expertise of local companies, including Lumbersens, a recognized specialist in high-end wooden chalets.
Inside, natural light floods the spaces, which open generously onto the outdoors. The offices combine open-plan areas, enclosed rooms, and shared communal zones, offering a wide variety of uses.
The furniture, mainly crafted from wood, was selected from environmentally conscious brands. Sourced from responsibly managed forests, it reflects a timeless, artisanal aesthetic. Some pieces were reused from the previous offices, in line with a philosophy of continuity and restraint.
Combining design and sustainability is possible.
In terms of energy performance, we could have gone further, for example by aiming for HQE certification (High Environmental Quality) or integrating energy production. But our priority was to keep things simple, favoring common sense.
Designed like a modern cabin in the heart of the city, these offices represent, for us, a new way of inhabiting work: environmentally conscious, attentive to comfort and aesthetics, and forward-looking.
Find all articles about the project:
Article 1 – New S&W offices: the project
Article 2 – From idea to plans: a conversation with the architect
Article 3 – Six months of construction in pictures
Article 4 - A building designed for the environment
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