Transformation of the former factory of Tobler chocolate near Dora River, on the outskirts of the historical centre, into a residential complex.

The project was mainly aimed at keeping the operating costs down and reducing the environmental impact. Therefore, the design, plants and materials were all adapted to satisfy these needs.
The external “historical” section has been restored while the internal one is newly built. State-of-the-art insulating materials have been used for both buildings to improve thermal and acoustic comfort. The aluminum thermally-broken windows ensure high acoustic and thermal insulation and are equipped with automatic shading systems.

The roof of the “historical” part is made of zinc-titanium plates applied on a laminated wood structure duly insulated. The internal section is covered by a green flat roof, which regulates the building temperature and improves the microclimate of the urban centre by filtering dusts and converting carbon dioxide into oxygen.

In view of cost saving and investment profitability, no expense has been spared on the engineering side. The complex is equipped with a thermal power station where an electrical heat pump is powered by groundwater extracted from a pit in the centre of the garden.
“Radiant panels” distributes heat under the floor inside the building (with the exception of restrooms and storage rooms), thus improving the indoor comfort.
Tap water is instantaneously produced at low temperatures to limit quantities and energy consumption. Air-conditioning is generated by the same power station thanks to the reverse cycle heat pump. Moreover, this system can recover “waste heat” which is then used to produce hot water, in this way significantly reducing costs.

Every single unit has its own “satellite module” for autonomous management of centralized heating and cooling systems so as to control energy consumption. These heating and cooling systems are quite innovative and highly efficient, saving up to 50% of energy compared to a standard gas heating.
The complex includes 75 flats with terraces, private gardens and green roofs, which guarantee low operating costs.