Gateway to the west of the Vergers district in Meyrin, Switzerland, the C2 Tower is a 12-storey building with 99 ZDLOC units on commercial ground . The distribution of the different typologies of the 2 to 5 pieces is done according to the solar orientation. The large apartments on the south-east and south-west facades have balconies. The small apartments are on the north-east and north-west facades.

The sixth floor stands out because it includes activities reserved for tenants and technical premises. The central position of the ventilation and sanitary appliances makes it possible to reduce the grip of the ducts in the dwellings but also to reduce the electrical consumption. It also offers on the half of the plateau a vegetated terrace reserved for residents.

The C2 Tower is a pioneer masterpiece. It applies to the MINERGIE A standard. In this, it covers the electrical energy needs of common premises and equipment thanks to the installation of LUCIDO facades and photovoltaic solar collectors integrated in the parapets of the balconies as well as on the roof.

With its bold design, it strongly shows that it is a sustainable building, with a strong identity and enviable aesthetic qualities.

Sustainable development approach of the project owner

In more than 25 years of activity, GROUP H has acquired a unique expertise in innovative and aesthetic sustainable constructions by producing iconic buildings, such as the Palais de l'Equilibre, a symbol of sustainable development at EXPO 02 in Neuchâtel. It is today a landmark of the Geneva region but above all an identity building of CERN, European Center for Nuclear Research. In its desire to push the exercise to the extreme, GROUPE H has also designed, with many engineering partners, the New Goûter Refuge at 4000m altitude in Mont Blanc.

Groupe H wanted to maintain its leading position in sustainable construction with the completion of the C2 Tower in the Vergers eco-neighborhood in Meyrin. This new district, exemplary on the environmental level, was a requirement defined by the local and cantonal authorities in the localized neighborhood plan. The district is based on the three pillars of sustainable development: social solidarity, environmental responsibility and economic efficiency, in line with Group H's construction policy and objectives.

The owner was also made aware from the beginning of the problem and enthusiastically welcomed the idea of building the Minergie A standard, which consists in covering the energy needs for the operation of the technical installations (ventilation units , pumps, etc.) by renewable energies.

Group H has given proof that it was possible to build an energy-efficient building at 4,000 meters as a duty now to do in the plains and in cities. Successful challenge with the completion of the C2 Tower, a pioneer in sustainable construction.

Architectural description

The C2 Tower is a 12-storey building with 99 units on commercial ground. On the ground floor of the tower are business premises and shops connected to the sports esplanade and on the ground floor of the activity areas on one level facing the Jardin des Sports.

The dwellings in the upper floors have two standard plans except for the 6th floor, which includes tenants' activities, including a common children's play area, family celebrations and technical rooms.

The distribution of the various typologies (from 2 to 5 pieces) is done according to the solar orientation. The large apartments are on the south-east and south-west facades and feature balconies. The small apartments are on the north-east and north-west facades. The 2 levels of basement combine the necessary premises for housing and activities such as cellars, depots and technical premises.

The structure of the building is made of concrete and is designed to free the facades of load-bearing elements. The façades are of the "active" type of the LUCIDO brand and the photovoltaic solar collectors integrated in the parapets and balconies.

Producing electrical energy with photovoltaic panels on a high-rise building IGH, is a challenge because the surface of the roof is extremely limited. The choice was therefore to place the photovoltaic solar panels in the balcony parapets it was still necessary that the power produced is sufficient to supply electricity to all power plants and electrical equipment common premises. In such a context, every building element, every economy counts.

By arranging the technical installations at mid-height, it was possible to reduce the power of the technical power stations and the necessary electrical powers.

The technical centers occupying only a small area of a plateau, it was possible to set up the same level of laundry and offer residents a large panoramic terrace for daily games, the organization of parties family or residents' parties. In this, the chapter "society of the sustainable component" found its full measure.