Transforming upwards
Vertical extension with Working Space, Av. de l'Université 5, Lausanne © Leo Fabrizio
Dr. Sophie Lufkin was invited to write the editorial of the latest publication by Lignum, edited with the support of the Federal Office for the Environment FOEN and dedicated to wooden vertical extensions. Entitled “Transforming upwards,” her contribution focuses on the issues related to this type of strategy within urban contexts. Moreover, the vertical extension of an administrative building located at Avenue de l’Université 5 in Lausanne is presented among the nineteen selected examples. It is the first application of the Working Space research project, developed by the Laboratory of Architecture and Sustainable Technologies (LAST) in the framework of a partnership with the Canton of Vaud.
In a context marked by the search for strategies allowing simultaneously a qualitative densification of urban territories and an ecological management of resources, wooden vertical extensions can provide an inventive and relevant solution.
The low weight of wood, combined with its excellent static features, compactness, and thermal capacities, makes it a particularly interesting material to build vertical extensions. The multiple possibilities in terms of construction allow to quickly implement the wooden elements, which can be entirely prefabricated, and to significantly reduce disturbances linked with work sites. In addition, wood offers an excellent carbon footprint if sourced locally.
Analyses performed in the framework of the Working Space research project have highlighted that with upstream bioclimatic and low-carbon approaches, it is possible to raise an existing building and generate more primary energy than the needs for construction, operation, and mobility of the extension’s users.