Bellevue: Lombard Odier headquarters with Swiss Breeam record
The Geneva-based private bank has achieved the highest Breeam score ever awarded in Switzerland for «1Roof». The building, designed by Herzog & de Meuron, has thus already collected the third of four sustainability labels it was aiming for.
The global headquarters of private bank Lombard Odier in Bellevue (GE), which was opened in September 2025, has been awarded Breeam «Outstanding» certification - with a score of 95.2 %, as the bank announced last week. According to Breeam, the international assessment system for sustainable construction («Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Method»), this is the highest score ever awarded in Switzerland. Since its opening, «1Roof» has also been awarded the Minergie-P and THPE labels. According to the press release, SNBS certification («Swiss Sustainable Building Standard») at the highest «Platinum» level is still pending, but is expected shortly.
Seawater, photovoltaics, rainwater management
The sustainability concept includes a connection to the Geneva Genilac system, which uses lake water from Lake Geneva for heating and cooling, a photovoltaic system with an area of 750 square meters and comprehensive rainwater management. «We have implemented the highest standards in all areas - from the choice of materials to energy supply and the circular economy,» said Ebba Lepage, Group Head of Corporate Sustainability, according to the press release.
The building at Chemin Messidor 1 in Bellevue (GE), designed by Basel-based Herzog & de Meuron, brings together more than 2,000 employees, who were previously spread across six locations in Geneva, under one roof - hence the name «1Roof». It offers space for up to 2,600 workstations. According to the architects, the gross floor area is around 71,200 square meters, of which around 37,900 square meters are above ground and 33,300 square meters underground. The building is eight stories high and measures around 30 meters. It was created as part of the 2017 Plan Localisé de Quartier Champ-du-Château, which includes residential buildings, a park and underground parking facilities in addition to the bank building.
Transparency written in capital letters
Architecturally, the new building focuses on transparency and openness - a counter-design to traditional bank architecture. Generously cantilevered, curved ceilings support an expansive roof. Inside, open-plan areas, collaboration zones and a daylight-bright atrium with a ceiling height of seven meters offer a view of Lake Geneva and the Alps. An auditorium with over 500 seats opens out onto the garden. More than 400 bicycle parking spaces are available for employees' mobility; the site is connected to the Léman Express (Les Tuileries stop) and the road network.
Lombard Odier has never publicly quantified the construction costs for «1Roof». The bank, which was founded in 1796, sold its historic properties on Rue de la Corraterie in Geneva's old town to finance the project. (aw)
