Roof extension of Sylvana Hospital / 2b architectes

Roof extension of Sylvana Hospital / 2b architectes - Forest
© Matthieu Gafsou

Roof extension of Sylvana Hospital / 2b architectes - Windows, ForestRoof extension of Sylvana Hospital / 2b architectes - Facade, Stairs, HandrailRoof extension of Sylvana Hospital / 2b architectes - Table, Chair, WindowsRoof extension of Sylvana Hospital / 2b architectes - ChairRoof extension of Sylvana Hospital / 2b architectes - More Images+ 37

  • Design Team: 2b architectes, B.Adam, P.Krecl, C.Alves, F.Köhli, C.Vuurmans, S.Genzoni, Ph.Herkommer, Q.Rosset, R.Pache
  • Wood Engineer: Pirmin Jung
  • Building Physicist: Pirmin Jung
  • Acoustic Engineer: Pirmin Jung
  • Engineer Hvpe: Amstein + Walthert AG
  • City: Épalinges
  • Country: Switzerland
More SpecsLess Specs

Text description provided by the architects. The University Care and Rehabilitation Centre Sylvana (CUTR) occupies a former sanatorium built in 1913 in Epalinges, a municipality situated above the City of Lausanne, on an exceptional site at the edge of the woods overlooking the entire Lake Geneva region.


Roof extension of Sylvana Hospital / 2b architectes - Windows, Facade
© Matthieu Gafsou

To satisfy the growing demand for post-hospital rehabilitation beds, the roof optimization created space for two floors for beds and care programs by replacing the attic and roof-tree of the 1950s. Technical and size-related constraints were integrated into an organic form that makes use of roof ridges and surfaces, thus reinterpreting the shape of the former sanatorium by seeking to make it blend in with the nearby treeline.

Roof extension of Sylvana Hospital / 2b architectes - Image 41 of 42
Chronologic Scheme
Roof extension of Sylvana Hospital / 2b architectes - Image 35 of 42
South Elevation

This strong aspiration to integration resulted in the choice of copper-coated bituminous roofing membranes, which would ultimately take on the hues of the surrounding treescape. The new roof construction was prefabricated and largely made of wood, allowing for a limitation of additional load, while thanks to the speed of the realization, the construction deadline could be adhered to without any interruption of hospital operations.
29 rehabilitation beds in 19 rooms distributed on the two newly added floors increased the number of beds at CUTR Sylvana to 95.

Roof extension of Sylvana Hospital / 2b architectes - Windows, Bathroom, Bed, Shower, Bedroom
© Matthieu Gafsou

Besides these new beds, rooms were created for various care programs and facilities for ergotherapy and physiotherapy, as well as for the hospital staff, doctors, and nurses, who run this competence and care center for geriatric rehabilitation.
In analogy with the room organization principle of the lower floors, the various programs of the two newly added floors are clustered around a generously proportioned communal room, which was conceived of as a kind of indoor street where people can simply stroll around or engage in rehabilitation activities and exercise.

Roof extension of Sylvana Hospital / 2b architectes - Door
© Matthieu Gafsou

This room is a meeting place for patients and personnel and provides a high-quality point of reference as an alternative to the classic corridor/room division. Its form automatically resulted from the organization of the variously dimensioned rooms and the arrangement of the different rooms and other facilities, which is reflected in a rich and varied spatiality. On the topmost floor, this area is even more spacious thanks to the flow and specific shape of the roof.

Roof extension of Sylvana Hospital / 2b architectes - Table, Chair, Windows
© Matthieu Gafsou
Roof extension of Sylvana Hospital / 2b architectes - Image 30 of 42
Floors Plans
Roof extension of Sylvana Hospital / 2b architectes - Chair
© Matthieu Gafsou

Project gallery

See allShow less

Project location

Address:Épalinges, Switzerland

Click to open map
Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Roof extension of Sylvana Hospital / 2b architectes" 23 Sep 2017. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/877761/roof-extension-of-sylvana-hospital-2b-architectes> ISSN 0719-8884

© Matthieu Gafsou

Sylvana Hospital :医院的屋顶扩建 / 2b architectes

You've started following your first account!

Did you know?

You'll now receive updates based on what you follow! Personalize your stream and start following your favorite authors, offices and users.