Quartier Pont-Rouge - Esplanade 3

At the heart of the La Praille district in Geneva, the Pont-Rouge site is transforming a former industrial zone into a dynamic urban hub. Led by Pont 12 architects, the first development phase includes the construction of two buildings: Esplanade 1 and Esplanade 2. The second phase features two twin buildings, Alto Pont-Rouge and Esplanade 3. RDR architects, commissioned for the development of the latter, created a distinctive architecture that harmoniously dialogues with the entire district. The project underwent several programmatic changes, particularly under the influence of its final acquirer, CPEG. The floor spaces are ultimately dedicated to administrative programs, with their various services and facilities. RDR architects was subsequently commissioned to design more than half of the spaces for different users.

The project maintains the facade rhythm principle with a 1.50 m grid pattern while reinterpreting it. The new facades seek to express their own identity while cultivating a proximity, a family resemblance, with the already constructed buildings. Made entirely of aluminum and glass, the new envelope embraces lightness.

With the facade footprint defined, the architects use this thickness to design deep mullions that give the whole its molding and character. A precise adjustment of horizontal and vertical metal profiles accommodates technical constraints such as floor thicknesses and blind housings. The detail of these elements is also designed to follow angles and plan returns, so that this metal mesh envelops the different volumes, base or projections, in a very unified manner. Behind this prefabricated facade, the concrete load-bearing structure is rationalized to offer maximum flexibility to interior spaces. The 35,000m2 of above-ground space is organized on a common base that houses services and shops on the ground floor, from which two office towers emerge.

The technical and constructive design of the envelope seeks to combine rationalized implementation and energy performance. The facades are distinguished by their assembly, composed of more than 600 prefabricated modules. The factory prefabrication of these elements ensures aesthetic uniformity and superior quality, while guaranteeing seamless integration into the building's overall structure and rapid assembly.

Without control over other tenants' arrangements, work on interior spaces focused on common areas. Effort was concentrated on generating understated spaces of controlled dimensions while establishing a common thread from each entrance hall to the upper floor landings, facilitating the reading of an identifiable whole.

The treatment of terraces and their vegetation, though limited, complies with the district plan logic while seeking to enrich the ensemble.

The Pont Rouge Esplanade 3 project was nominated for the 2023 Swiss Romandy Real Estate Award in the "Business" category.