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Lombard Odier unveils its Bellevue building
Article published on 6th September 2022 by the Tribune de Genève
At Lombard Odier, the term “sustainability” is almost a slogan. For several years now, the Geneva-based private bank, founded in 1796, has been affirming its commitment to the environment, both in its economic choices and through its real estate policy. On 1 September, the bank invited members of the media to visit the Bellevue construction site where its future headquarters are being built, designed by the renowned firm Herzog & de Meuron.
The building, which is due to be finalised in 2024, will provide 37,000m2 of space for the 1,900 or so Geneva employees who are currently spread over five sites. Hence its name: 1Roof. “The surface area is slightly less than the total surface area of the five current sites,” points out Patrick Odier, Senior Managing Partner of the Bank. “Coming together allows us to optimise certain services.”
The bank points out that 1Roof should not be confused with the two nearby apartment buildings, which are separate projects. Although the flats are already occupied, it is difficult to make out the future profile of the building at this stage, which is still hidden behind scaffolding. The structure has been erected but much remains to be done, from the interior fittings to the installation of the glass façades.
Christine Binswanger, partner in charge, and Pierre de Meuron guide the tour. “This building is not a rectangle,” says Pierre de Meuron. “There are no right angles. We wanted something light and in motion, a concave façade that welcomes and embraces you.” In demonstration, the youthful septuagenarian opens his arms wide.
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Three labels
“Instead of going down the route of a traditional building, we chose transparency and openness,” explains Annika Falkengren, Managing Partner of the Bank. “This is a big step for us. We believe it will create enormous energy and dynamism for our employees and clients.”
On the environmental front, the Partner indicates the labels obtained: Minergie (for the building’s energy consumption), SNBS (for employee mobility: the bank has provided 444 bicycle spaces, recharging facilities for electric vehicles, and a cycle path runs nearby) and Breeam (for the choice of materials).
Around 40 trees were felled but 140 will be replanted. A rainwater reserve will be used to water a “minimal” lawn. Solar panels will be installed on the roof and the building will use the Genilac system for heating and cooling. Insect hotels will be installed and seven beehives are already producing honey.
Emphasis on well-being
It’s time to venture inside. There are no features visible yet in the concrete structure, except for an opening in the ceiling that lets the light in from above, like an atrium.
The employees will work in an open space, with confidential areas for solo working and only a dozen individual offices. “In the morning, it will be possible to have coffee with a colleague, go to make a phone call in a quiet place, and then follow up with a meeting in a room of varying size,” says Pierre de Meuron, pointing out the multitude of options available.
Annika Falkengren adds: “We want to create a place that attracts and retains the best talent and fosters learning and innovation, while reinforcing the group’s DNA and providing a unique experience for our clients.” Patrick Odier emphasises: “There will be many facilities for the employees: a gym, rest spaces, different catering areas, etc. We have put the emphasis on well-being at work.”
Moving through the ground floor, the floor slopes slightly to a large 700-seat auditorium, which is accessible at any time of day, especially for informal working sessions. Here the wall curves like a wave, the poetic signature of the building.
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The Reformation Wall
We then climb a staircase to the fourth of the building’s six floors (seven if you count the upper ground floor). On this level, the ceiling height reaches seven metres: “You could fit the four figures of the Reformation Wall in this space!” jokes Annika Falkengren.
This space offers a spectacular and unique view of the lake. There is no question of reserving this privilege for a “happy few”, however. “This space will be available to all our employees and, of course, to our clients,” says Falkengren.
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Sale of the Corraterie
Patrick Odier does not disclose the amount of money spent on 1Roof. “We have never revealed it, but I can tell you that we stayed within the budget.” To finance this major project, the bank sold its historic buildings in Rue de la Corraterie (it will keep the building where it was founded).
Initially, the Bellevue building was to be inaugurated in 2021, but now we are talking about 2024. How do you explain this postponement? “Covid has delayed us, but we didn’t want to sacrifice quality to meet the deadline,” replies Patrick Odier. “We are very happy and honoured to be constructing this beautiful building, as are the architects.”
Important information
This document is issued by Bank Lombard Odier & Co Ltd or an entity of the Group (hereinafter “Lombard Odier”). It is not intended for distribution, publication, or use in any jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, or use would be unlawful, nor is it aimed at any person or entity to whom it would be unlawful to address such a document. This document was not prepared by the Financial Research Department of Lombard Odier.
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