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Vortex Lausanne

Hall of residence by Jean-Pierre Dürig and Itten+Brechbühl for the University of Lausanne

An Olympic ring with impressive dimensions

 

With a diameter of just under 140 metres, a height of 30 metres and a 2.8-km-long full-perimeter ramp, which provides access to a truly impressive piece of architecture: these are the key data of a building that is attracting attention beyond the borders of French-speaking Switzerland. The cylindrical complex comprises a hall of residence for the University of Lausanne and housed young athletes during the Youth Olympic Games shortly after completion. In addition to the imposing ramp on the courtyard side, the façade features warm wood panels and a total of 104 forster fuego light El30 fire resistant doors which are skilfully integrated into the extraordinary structure.

 

A hall of residence accommodating around 1,000 students was constructed on the basis of plans by Jean-Pierre Dürig and Itten+Brechbühl as an extension of the campus of the University of Lausanne. Prior to the first occupancy, the expressive building was used for sporting purposes: on the occasion of the 2020 Winter Youth Olympic Games, which were held in Lausanne, all the athletes lived here under one roof.

 

Extraordinary connecting element

The imposing ramp, which is located in front of the façade on the courtyard side, spirals upwards along the living spaces and also leads from the ground floor to the aforementioned roof. With its gentle incline of less than 1%, the connecting element not only provides the building with its huge dimensions, but also its name “Vortex”, an English term referring to a whirling mass of fluid or air, e.g. a whirlpool.

 

Communal living

The new building was intended to create more living space for the students, while at the same time promoting communal living and integrating other uses. In addition to 712 apartments, the complex also houses a restaurant, a café on the roof terrace, a nursery, shops and communal areas and work spaces. The circular inner courtyard is bigger than a football pitch and as a green space is also part of the communal area.

 

Fire resistant doors with slim profiles

A façade cladding over the entire building comprising spruce panels complements the natural design. The supporting structure is constructed in in-situ concrete, while the rooms were inserted as prefabricated modules in a very short construction time. A total of 104 forster fuego light El30 fire resistant doors are integrated into the façade on the courtyard side. They enable access from the ramp to the staircases or elevator landings on all eight habitable levels as well as to the accessible roof. The single-leaved doors open outwards and fit perfectly into the timber building shell, not least due to their slim profiles.


Lausanne, Switzerland