Architecture
Rapin Saiz
Construction Management
Rapin Saiz
Structural engineering
Ratio Bois
Building services engineering
Sacao
HVAC equipment
Liaudat
Facade
Burgy
Windows
Wider
Floor coverings
La Passion du Bois
Doors and gates
La Passion du Bois
© Joël Tettamanti
© Joël Tettamanti
© Rapin Saiz Architectes
© Joël Tettamanti
© Joël Tettamanti
© Joël Tettamanti

Adding residential space by creating a rooftop addition in order to finance the renovation of an existing building – this model has been adopted by many clients and is welcomed by many municipalities. The renovation project designed by Rapin Saiz Architectes in Vevey at Lake Geneva also follows this principle. The three party corner lot house in the former artisan district of La Valsainte near the city centre was far from being renovated before the architects took up the task. Instead of bathrooms meeting contemporary needs, apartments only had small toilets. Gas, wood or oil stoves on each floor served for heating. The house was erected in the late 19th century. Back then, it was two storeys tall – workshop on the ground floor, dwelling on top. Decades later, a third floor was added to the structure.