Audemars Piguet has announced the completion and construction of two new, modern, modular factories. After three years of construction, the Manufacture des Seigneurs will see employees move from Le Locle, while Audemars Piguet has begun construction on Arc, a new factory adjacent to the Manufacture des Forges in Le Brassus. These two major construction projects support Audemars Piguet's sustainable development approach and work culture, allowing for greater flexibility and modularity. The buildings seamlessly integrate the brand's innovative architecture with a respect for the surrounding environment. Both forward-thinking buildings are Minergie® certified (Arc is Minergie-ECO® certified) for their reduced environmental impact and modular interiors.
Modular and comfortable design
Manufacture des Seniors
The Manufacture des Seigneurs in Le Locle has housed the Audemars Piguet Le Locle workshop, formerly known as Renaud et Papies, a specialist workshop for complicated watch mechanisms. Construction began in 2018 and is scheduled for completion in spring 2021. The new building covers an area of 10,400 square meters. The single-story building, with flexible floor levels, adapts to the terrain and follows the flow of the production process.
Inspired by the surrounding meadows, lakes, and forests, the building blends seamlessly into the valley's topography. The architectural concept was created by Swiss design firm Knik de Morgier, who prioritized a comfortable working environment and natural lighting, utilizing the latest technology to achieve this. The building is surrounded by expansive glass windows made of SageGlass®, a cost-effective, energy-saving electrochromic glass that automatically changes color with natural light. In addition to providing light to each room in the studio, the glass is heat-regulating, allowing the designer to fully enjoy the surrounding expansive views all year round.
This "Architecture of Light" was developed in collaboration with Marilyn Andersen, Professor of Sustainable Building Technology at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL). The new Manufacture des Seigneurs has a structure that allows for smooth internal connections between work processes and fosters creative and flexible communication. The interior's modular layout allows for adaptability to changes and shifts in employee tasks and needs, enabling diverse teamwork. The flexible geometric layout of the workspace and glass partition walls allow staff to see each other's work in the ateliers and improve communication between them. Visitors can also get a close-up look at the craftsmen at work. The central piazza (square) can accommodate up to 190 people and can be used as a spacious and comfortable meeting space, for discussions, or as a place to relax.
New Factory ALC Reduces Carbon Dioxide Emissions
Arc is taking every measure to reduce its carbon footprint. The building project was developed from an environmental perspective, and the use of land was carefully considered. A green roof provides a habitat for birds and insects, and from the road in Marcherz, it offers a harmonious panorama with the meadows of the Vallée de Joux. The project features a state-of-the-art energy management plan. In addition to using heat from industrial waste incineration, Arc is connected to a remote oil-free wood pellet heating system in Le Brassus-Bois, located next to the station. Photovoltaic panels give the manufacture additional renewable energy sources. In accordance with the Minergie-ECO® certification criteria, renewable building materials are used as a priority, and the "ECO" label certifies other building standards that respect health and the environment.
In Le Brassus, Steiner will construct "ARC," a building designed by the Swiss architects de Giulli & Portier. The U-shaped structure covers an area of 17,000 square meters and includes three floors and a basement for technical facilities. ARC will also be connected to the current Manufacture des Forges. The two factories will be integrated under one roof into Audemars Piguet's extensive manufacturing site in the Vallée de Joux. Construction began in spring 2021 and is scheduled to be completed in 2025. Designed as an evolving project, the buildings feature a modular layout that allows for long-term flexibility to adapt to future needs. ARC also utilizes the latest technology, incorporating natural light through windows made of electrochromic SageGlass® glass. Both factories embody Audemars Piguet's architectural concept of being avant-garde while respecting the surrounding environment.
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