Complexe Unimail, Neuchâtel

The Building

Building post-intervention

Building post-intervention: Unimail Neuchatel_Pre_1_(C)BNJ.jpeg

Building post-intervention: Unimail Neuchatel_Pre_1_(C)EtatNE.jpeg

The building was inaugurated in 2001. The facade cladding, made of marble slabs laid between 1994 and 2000, proved unsuitable and rapidly developed structural resistance defects. The choice of a replacement stone was made with the dual aim of finding a material that would guarantee the expected strength and longevity, while respecting the appearance, texture and hue of the existing cladding. In the end, the choice fell on “Onsernone” granite from Ticino, which offers all the guarantees of durability and mechanical resistance expected, as well as photovoltaic modules.

The Solution

Solution post-intervention

Solution post-intervention: Unimail Neuchatel_Post_5_(C)MarioCafiso.jpg

Solution post-intervention: Unimail Neuchatel_Post_6_(C)UniMail.jpg

Solution post-intervention: Unimail Neuchatel_Post_7_(C)Solarwall.jpg

Solution post-intervention: Unimail Neuchatel_Post_8_(C)Solarwall.jpg

What is the Solution?

Conversion of the UniMail building and replacement of the marble façade panels with photovoltaic modules. Integration of frameless panels on all four sides of the Animal House facade, as well as on the facades of the main building.

Why Does it work?

Architectural integration (module dimensions identical to those of replaced stone, colour in harmony with stone slabs). Technical implementation (frameless panels, invisible panel attachment system). Reconcile the yield (quantity of electricity produced in relation to energy received) and expression of photovoltaic panels

PROS