“Little Marcel” leads Boudry’s road maintenance department into a new era
After an intensive competition, the winning project "Little Marcel" for the expansion and renovation of the Boudry road construction centre has been chosen. The outstanding concept promises a sustainable and efficient future for the site.
In June last year, the canton of Neuchâtel launched an architectural competition to find innovative solutions for the urgently needed expansion and renovation of the road construction centre in Boudry. The aim of the challenging search was to create a future-proof infrastructure that fulfils the requirements of sustainability and efficiency. The “Little Marcel” project by Julien Dubois Architectes SA from La Chaux-de-Fonds won over the jury out of fourteen entries and took first place.
The winning project is characterised by its holistic approach, which focuses on both architectural quality and functional excellence. In addition to the refurbishment of the existing building, the planned extension also includes the construction of new buildings that will enable the site to be utilised to the full. The sustainable concept, which emphasises the project’s commitment to the environment through the integration of solar modules and the use of timber constructions, is particularly noteworthy.
The realisation of “Little Marcel” promises to improve work processes while at the same time enhancing the landscape and architectural quality of the site. The targeted expansion of the workshop buildings and the creation of a spacious inner courtyard will serve to optimise logistics and promote cooperation between employees.
With a planned budget of CHF 12 million for the overall competition and a further CHF 1.5 million for the relocation of service buildings, the Government Council is laying the foundations for a modern and future-orientated infrastructure. The public exhibition of the competition entries gives the public an insight into the visionary plans for the Boudry depot.
This project marks an important step in the development of road maintenance in the region and sets new standards in terms of sustainability and efficiency in road maintenance in the Canton of Bern. The further development and refinement of the winning project is eagerly awaited with a view to a future application for a building loan.