Creative Factory Renens

Renens, Switzerland

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Creative Factory Renens

Renens, Switzerland

Firm

Bauart Architects and Planners

Type

Residential › Apartment Multi Unit Housing

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2025

In the heart of Lausanne's rapidly changing western district, the Creative Factory project involves converting a former logistics centre into a multifunctional building. By transforming an existing building, as an alternative to a tabula rasa approach, the architectural design aims to simultaneously revitalise the urban environment, preserve built heritage, limit resource consumption and minimise environmental impact.

The transformation process began with a strategy of reusing the materials present on the site, either by recycling them through existing channels or by keeping them on site for landscaping purposes. The dismantling of interior fittings and the creation of two skylights in the heart of the building then revealed the expressive power of the structure and created an interior street that serves as a reference and interconnection space. Expressing a dialogue between permanence and versatility, the integration of wooden volumes and lightweight partitions has created a series of lofts dedicated to living and working, as well as workshops for training, creation, small businesses and crafts.

The building envelope broadly respects the original volume of the building, while offering improved thermal performance. On the north side, four double-height shared spaces offer spectacular views of the railway landscape. On the south side, a metal grid supports balconies, climbing plants and sunshades. In terms of outdoor facilities, the former logistics platform has been de-asphalted to make way for a vast park with trees and vegetation, creating a real interface with Rue du Chêne. The ecological transition is also reflected in the integration of renewable energies – connection to district heating and a large photovoltaic shade structure to the west of the site – and the promotion of carbon-free mobility (on foot, by bicycle or by bus).