The investor Dr Hans Widmer of the canton of Aargau assigned the realization of the residential and commercial baptized complex Residence Esplanade to Priora AG, recently Swiss subsidiary of Eiffage Construction.The prime contractor was given to the office of Zurich architect Graber Pulver Architekten AG.
Situated at the heart of the city of Biel, the Esplanade project will see the realization of :
- 160 housing (sale and rent),
- 14 commercial premises,
- an underground parking of 220 places.
The plan of the big main building corresponds to a nine opposite one, which gives birth to two inner courtyards, respectively closed on four and three sides. The building shows itself at its best face towards the Esplanade. It is in this wing of the building, the longest in fact, that will be sheltered 74 housing intended for the sale.
The linear perspective is marked by the concrete balustrades prefabricated of nine meters long, which compose, with plate glass windows at the level of floor, balconies in the shape of diamond. Upward, the profile of the building ends with two floors attique, in whom alternate apartments in attique and duplex. 86 renting housing are in the other wings of the building. The arch running along the building also marks with its imprint the level dedicated to commercial activities and its 4,2 meters high.
Structural works have been finished and the first occupiers will move from autumn, 2018.