HOUSING
Neuchatel, Switzerland
2020

Collaboration: Studio Zaluska + Guidotti Architetti
Type of Procurement: Open competition, 2020
Location: Neuchatel, Switzerland
Consultants: Renderings: Robin Archive


Due to its scale, the new residential district in Beauregard-Dessus has the potential to form a cohesive and identifiable urban ensemble. The project is conceived as a self-contained piece of city fabric that integrates seamlessly with its surroundings while maintaining a distinct identity.

The site context plays a key role in shaping the design. The lake below and the terraced cemetery nearby suggest an arrangement of buildings in parallel volumes. This strategy extends the cemetery’s pathways into the new development, creating a network of interconnected routes and outdoor spaces. These spatial relationships enhance continuity between the two areas while preserving their unique characteristics. A tower element serves as a landmark, marking the end of Gabriel-Lory Street and organizing circulation across the site.

Generous open spaces are subdivided into smaller, clearly defined areas such as an entrance square, courtyard, garden, belvedere, and park. These spaces are linked by a zigzag pathway that responds to the site’s steep slope and connects upper and lower levels.

The housing typologies prioritize dual orientation for most apartments, improving natural light and acoustic comfort. Flexible layouts concentrate fixed functions while allowing adaptable living spaces. The buildings are constructed using recycled concrete and mixed wood-concrete slabs, emphasizing sustainability, material efficiency, and long-term durability.