Building permit issued for the Bourse aux Fleurs, the start of construction is scheduled for early February 2023.
The Bern flower exchange cooperative is relocating its head office and some 40 employees from Bern to Chiètres. The current premises of the flower exchange are located in the immediate vicinity of the Losinger Marazzi headquarters in Wankdorf. The buildings at the current location are aging and do not offer enough space. Losinger Marazzi conducted initial discussions with the client back in 2018 and was able to offer them a suitable 20,000 m2 plot in Chiètres in 2020. In order to secure the financing of the new construction, Losinger Marazzi accompanied the client in the search for a loan and the sale of the existing building.
Developed by Lösinger Marazzi in collaboration with the Lausanne-based architectural firm Kunik de Morsier and the renowned wood engineer Hermann Blumer, the project is largely made of wood. The complex geometry of the building combines the latest innovations in wood construction and digital manufacturing. The use of space and the unique architecture are tailored to the needs of the client.
The central part of the two-story building consists of a covered market place that provides access to the various areas such as the greenhouse, flower hall, garden center, garden accessories, cafeteria and a training area. The atrium above the market place floods the space with light and creates a warm atmosphere conducive to exchanges. A 4000 m2 greenhouse for the sale of seasonal and indoor plants completes the project.