Colorful dynamism. Aux Entrepôts by HHF Architects
07/10/2021.
[Renens] Switzerland
metalocus, VALERIA OZUNA
metalocus, VALERIA OZUNA
Description of project by HHF Architects
Angular, shimmering brick facades in green, yellow, aubergine, and red gives a strong identity to HHF Architects’ winning entry for part of the new master plan Parc du Simplon in Renens, Lausanne. The ruggedness and simplicity of the bricks are evocative of the site’s industrial history, while the glazed surfaces contribute to the lively atmosphere of the area.
The quarter mixes different housing types and standards, from mini lofts designed for flexible use to family apartments and penthouse units with generous rooftop terraces. Facilities for the general public are teamed with the deep mini lofts modelled on Dutch examples, which enlivens the ground floor of the urban building ensemble.
Once you enter any of the three- or four-storied buildings, you instantly know which one you are in, since the inner ceilings in semi-public spaces are painted in corresponding colour. Equally applied on the underside of the spiralling concrete staircases, which creates a near-psychedelic effect. The exterior hues are correspondingly applied on the windowsills, balcony fences and retractable awnings.
Inall the four vibrant buildings contain a total of 70 dwelling units along with studios and retail space. The tenants of Aux Entrepôts moved in in June 2021, adding another layer of life to the area adjacent to the Renens Station.
HHF architects is an architectural firm established by Tilo Herlach, Simon Hartmann and Simon Frommenwiler.
Tilo Herlach. He born in 1972 in Zurich, Switzerland. Between 1992 and 1998, Studies in Architecture at ETH Zurich and ETH Lausanne; Masters at ETH Zurich with Prof. Ruggero Tropeano. 1998-2003 Collaboration with d-company, Bern and Rolf Furrer Architekten, Basel. 2003 Founding of HHF architects, Basel. Since 2006 member of the "Board for Urban Planning SIA Basel". Since 2007 Board member of the Berlin Chamber of Architects. 2010 BSA member. 2011 Visiting professor at the University of Innsbruck, Austria.
Simon Hartmann. He born in 1974 in Bern, Switzerland. Between 1994 and 2000, Studies in Architecture at ETH Lausanne, TU Berlin and ETH Zurich; Masters at EPF Lausanne with Prof. V. Mangeat. 2000-2003 Collaboration with Rolf Furrer Architekten, Basel. 2002-2007 Teaching assistant at the ETH Studio Basel with Prof. Jaques Herzog, Pierre de Meuron, Roger Diener, Marcel Meili. 2003 Founding of HHF architects, Babel. 2009-2011 Professor at the HTA Fribourg. 2010 BSA member. 2011 Visiting professor at the University of Innsbruck, Austria. Since 2011 Professor at the Joint Master of Architecture course, Fribourg, Switzerland.
Simon Frommenwiler. He born in 1972 in London, United Kingdom. Between 1994 and 2000, Studies in Architecture at ETH Zurich; Masters with Prof. H. Kollhoff. 1997-2003 Collaborations with Bearth & Deplazes, Chur and Skidmore Owings & Merrill, New York, USA. 2003 Founding of HHF architects, Basel. 2005-2007 Teaching assistant at ETH Lausanne with Prof. Harry Gugger. 2010 BSA member. 2011 Professor at the Joint Master of Architecture course, Fribourg. 2011 Visiting professor at the ENSA Strasbourg, France.