Building in existing structures with Kugelgarn^®

The Uni-Dufour building at the University of Geneva is a striking example of 1960s brutalist architecture. The building was inaugurated in 1974, after the architects Francesco, Paux and Vicari won the competition in 1965. Inspired by Le Corbusier, the building houses two lecture theatres with 600 and 300 seats, seminar rooms, the student advisory service, the rectorate, administrative departments and a cafeteria.

The current renovation work highlights the particular challenge of ‘building in existing structures’: on the one hand, the building must meet the requirements of the preservation order, while on the other hand, modern requirements for comfort and functionality must be taken into account. Since extensive structural changes are not possible, it is important to proceed with caution in order to preserve the original structure.

For decades, a central element of the building has been the Kugelgarn^® flooring by Fabromont, which is characterised by high durability and longevity. It has proven its robustness particularly in heavily frequented areas such as the lecture theatres. In some rooms, Kugelgarn^® has been in use for over 20 years and continues to meet the highest demands despite intensive use.

Kugelgarn^® has also been retained in the renovated areas, a clear testament to its adaptability and consistent quality. In areas where the flooring is still in good condition, it will remain in place – and where necessary, it will be replaced by new Kugelgarn^® flooring. Its sound-absorbing properties contribute significantly to the pleasant acoustics in the lecture theatres, making it the ideal solution for academic institutions.

The Dufour building is thus an impressive example of the successful bridging of the gap between the preservation of historical buildings and contemporary functionality – with Kugelgarn^® as an indispensable component.