Swiss architecture firm Herzog & de Meuron has completed the new headquarters for Lombard Odier, one of the world's oldest private banks, on the shores of Lake Geneva in Bellevue, Switzerland. The innovative 'One Roof' building consolidates 2,000 employees previously scattered across six different sites in Geneva, while providing capacity for up to 2,600 staff members in a single sustainable facility spanning 71,202 square meters.
The architectural design is guided by two fundamental principles: maximizing the perception of natural surroundings and creating interior spaces that foster collaboration among employees. Located in Bellevue, north of Geneva's city center, the headquarters forms part of the 2017 Champ-du-Château master plan, which includes a large housing complex, public park, and underground parking facilities for both cars and bicycles.
The building's strategic location takes full advantage of its residential neighborhood setting, surrounded by abundant green spaces and positioned close to both the botanical gardens and the Quartier des Nations, home to several international organizations. The site offers excellent connectivity through public transportation networks and direct links to Geneva's extensive bicycle infrastructure, reflecting the project's commitment to sustainable mobility.
Herzog & de Meuron's design emphasizes transparency and flexibility throughout the structure, creating an environment that promotes both individual productivity and collaborative work. The architectural concept prioritizes natural light and views of Lake Geneva, ensuring that employees maintain a strong connection to the surrounding landscape while working in a modern, efficient office environment.
The project represents a significant milestone in sustainable office building design, incorporating advanced energy systems and environmental technologies developed in collaboration with Transsolar Energietechnik GmbH. The building features innovative facade engineering by Werner Sobek AG and comprehensive sustainability consulting to minimize environmental impact while maximizing occupant comfort and well-being.
Completed in 2025, the Lombard Odier headquarters demonstrates how contemporary architecture can successfully integrate environmental responsibility with corporate functionality. The project showcases Herzog & de Meuron's continued commitment to creating buildings that respond thoughtfully to their natural settings while meeting the evolving needs of modern financial institutions. The 'One Roof' concept not only consolidates operations but also creates a unified corporate culture under a single, architecturally distinctive structure that will serve as a landmark along Lake Geneva's shoreline.
