Lombard Odier New Headquarters by Herzog & de Meuron: A Sustainable Landmark on Lake Geneva

The Bellevue project in Switzerland by Herzog & de Meuron, with interiors by Rodolphe Parente, integrates advanced engineering, sustainable strategies, and refined lighting design. Spanning 71,202 m², it features landscape architecture by Oxalis and multidisciplinary expertise, creating a highly coordinated, future-ready environment captured through Maris Mezulis’ photography.

A “One Roof” Vision for Collaboration and Connectivity

Perched gracefully on the shores of Lake Geneva, the new Lombard Odier headquarters, dubbed One Roof, consolidates 2,000 employees previously scattered across six Geneva locations while accommodating up to 2,600 staff. Designed by the world-renowned architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron, the headquarters emphasizes transparency, flexibility, and a profound connection to its natural surroundings.

Situated in Bellevue, north of central Geneva, the project forms a key component of the 2017 Champ-du-Château masterplan, integrating residential complexes, lush green spaces, and efficient underground car and bike parking. The site benefits from excellent public transportation links and an extensive bicycle network, connecting the headquarters seamlessly to the city while remaining nestled in a serene, green environment near the botanical gardens and Quartier des Nations.

Maximizing Nature, Light, and Views

The building’s fully glazed façades treat every side identically, eliminating traditional notions of front and back. This design maximizes the perception of le Grand Paysage—the lake, mountains, and surrounding greenery—creating an immersive connection with nature. A canyon-like central atrium lined with meeting rooms allows natural light to penetrate deep into the building, enhancing the workplace environment and promoting employee well-being.

Collaborative Spaces for Modern Work

One Roof balances private workspaces with open, collaborative environments. Two double-height collaboration zones and a lakeside restaurant provide panoramic views of Lake Geneva, ideal for meetings, informal work, or relaxation. Client-dedicated areas, including two-story salons, integrate seamlessly into this open concept.

The auditorium, inspired by a Greek amphitheater, is daylit and opens to the garden, accommodating over 500 guests. Its flexible design allows for formal events in the front seating area, while the back, with built-in benches and casual tables, functions as an informal gathering space. Employees also enjoy a fitness center, yoga classes, and multiple dining options including a bistro at the entrance, a first-floor restaurant, and a sixth-floor cafeteria with terraces overlooking the lake. Snack corners in collaborative spaces and professional kitchens with lake views further enrich the employee experience.

A Breathing, Dynamic Building

The headquarters’ curved, cantilevered slabs provide passive sun shading for the glazed façades while creating accessible outdoor terraces. These terraces vary in size and orientation, reflecting the programmatic needs of adjacent spaces, giving the building a sense of movement and openness. Slender white columns integrate structural support with design aesthetics, complementing rainwater pipes and sun shading elements.

Inside, slabs transition into ramps and stairs, connecting levels fluidly and enhancing circulation. Multi-story spaces, including the main entrance and lakeside collaborative zones, evoke natural topography. The auditorium’s curved seating flows into a sunken garden, functioning as an outdoor amphitheater.

Sustainability at Every Level

Sustainability is central to the design of One Roof:

• Environmental sustainability: Locally sourced materials, recycled concrete foundations, rainwater harvesting for toilets and vegetation, and over 700 m² of rooftop solar panels. The GeniLac system uses Lake Geneva water for heating and cooling. Deep cantilevers reduce solar gain, minimizing energy demand.
• Mobility sustainability: Proximity to a train station, bicycle facilities, and EV charging stations support sustainable commuting.
• Economic sustainability: The flexible column grid and vertical circulation allow adaptable interior arrangements for evolving business needs or multi-tenant use.
• Social sustainability: Panoramic views, abundant daylight, collaborative spaces, fitness facilities, dining options, and garden access enhance well-being and foster employee interaction.

The headquarters is pursuing SNBS “Platine”, Minergie-P, and BREEAM® “Outstanding” certifications, setting a benchmark for sustainable corporate architecture.

Architectural Expression and Identity

Jacques Herzog describes the headquarters as resembling a “mille-feuilles”, with horizontal, irregularly stacked slabs floating amidst white columns. Glass façades frame views from Lake Geneva to Mont Blanc, creating an architecture that is both outward- and inward-looking—connecting with the community, clients, and employees alike.

Pierre de Meuron reflects on the project’s significance as Herzog & de Meuron’s first in French-speaking Switzerland, bridging the city center’s historic urban context with the unspoiled lakeside site. One Roof consolidates all Lombard Odier Geneva operations, strengthening corporate identity while reducing the organization’s carbon footprint.

A New Standard for Modern Workplaces

Inside One Roof, employees choose how and where they work—whether in private meeting rooms, lakeside collaborative spaces, restaurants, or the auditorium. Fitness, wellness, and outdoor access complete the holistic approach to workplace design. Client areas are discreetly integrated yet oriented toward the lake, reinforcing a sense of openness and connectivity.

All  photographs are works of Maris Mezulis