Renovation and transformation of the Casino

Built in 1908 on the initiative of local societies, the Casino has its attachment point along the Orbe River and dialogues closely with the institutions of Vallorbe. The volume of the imposing structure is born from the urban programmatic and conditions: the front street asserts the institutional character of the Casino, while the rest of the building adapts to the necessities of the great hall. Like many buildings of that time, its appearance has changed with various the interventions, undermining the original volume composition.

So the project aims to affirm the significant social role of the Casino of Vallorbe. The original lines of the building’s exterior found by the demolition of the later additions are revealed, or the reversion to the basic shape of the great hall windows. The only contemporary intervention visible outside: the creation of a canopy, which hides the intervention of the 50s by the shadow line it creates, on the entries of which the position and proportions disturbed the uniform reading of the building.

Dealing the volumetric with finesse, the type of intervention adapts to indoor conditions. Some areas are reassigned, such as the Town hall, which now has a new attic height. Other spaces are simply refreshed or restored to the image of the great Hall whose majestic proportions are reclaimed. In addition, a building color layout enhances the festive nature of the place, especially playing with dark blue color on the hall ceiling. With contemporary and economic means, the renovation of the whole, and the optimization of interior spaces and thermal compliance, the intrinsic qualities of the building are reclaimed.