Municipal Refuge in Prilly by VWA

The renovation of the existing urban tram line (LEB) combined with the realignment of a major arterial road out of the city and parallel to the tram line reduces the open space surrounding and protecting the communal « refuge » of Prilly. Highly regarded as a rural retreat within the city limits, these site changes require a strong response to compensate for the spatial loss. Noise, proximity to the heavily trafficked road and attention to the forest edge are project concerns. Site opportunities include the site’s juxtaposition between city and nature, long views to the lake and Alps as well as the the possibility to reuse construction materials and land fill. Consequently, the project deploys a large earthwork covered with a native dry-land prairie and punctuated by a line of fruit trees to safeguard the « refuge’s » inner garden from the peri-urban condition. Along its inner edge, a 25 meter long extrusion of dark grey concrete sheathed by with a wooden skin re-centers the garden and provides a long band of comfort for the refuge’s users. Wooden « pick-up » sticks serve equally as balance beams as well as lighting supports from under a transplanted grove of maple trees. The atmosphere is ensured by the choice of materials such as non-treated larch wood, natural stone pavers, poured-in place concrete and coarse gravel as well as the selection of native vegetation.