Competition, Morillon Parc Grand-Saconnex

Redevelopment and Densification of a Heritage Residential Complex

The transformation of Morillon Parc reinterprets the founding principles of an iconic modernist residential complex from the 1950s, reconciling heritage preservation, urban densification, and the strengthening of neighborhood life.

Built between 1954 and 1956 by architects André and Francis Gaillard, Morillon Parc is a residential ensemble of more than 200 apartments listed in the Canton of Geneva's inventory of protected buildings. Organized around a large central park, it is considered one of the most significant achievements of Geneva's modern movement.

The project addresses the challenges of urban renewal and densification by building on the site's existing urban, landscape, and architectural qualities. The intervention preserves the defining principles of the complex, particularly its organization around a generous shared open space, while strengthening its integration into the area's future urban development.

The urban strategy focuses on enhancing the park as the heart of the neighborhood and creating new entry points through Buildings A and C. These new structures accommodate housing, local services, and community facilities, contributing to active ground floors and a vibrant neighborhood environment.

The architectural approach emphasizes continuity rather than contrast. Existing buildings are renovated with respect for their heritage value, while the new buildings and rooftop additions reinterpret the compositional principles, façade rhythms, and material qualities of the original architecture through a contemporary design language.

The rooftop extension of Building B is achieved with a lightweight timber-concrete hybrid structure positioned on the existing load-bearing system. This solution minimizes interventions to the historic fabric while enabling the creation of new homes that meet contemporary standards of comfort, flexibility, and sustainability.

Particular attention is given to the restoration of façades, shared spaces, and protected apartments, following an approach based on archival research, the reuse of existing building elements, and the preservation of the original architectural qualities.

The project therefore combines heritage conservation, carefully calibrated densification, and adaptation to contemporary needs, while reinforcing the collective and landscape character that defines Morillon Parc.