A subsidized housing estate built in 2003-06 by the Lausanne foundation for the construction of housing, the La Clochatte neighbourhood was the brainchild of Lausanne architects Béatrice Giovanoli, Alexis Mozer and Yan Lappert, winners of the planning competition.
It comprises four buildings arranged in an irregular layout around a central common area. The buildings are plain rectangular blocks punctuated by regular windows. The corners integrate covered external balconies. The use of colour livens up the complex. The dark-grey walls strengthen the austere theme while providing a plastic feel. The severity is diminished by the presence of broad entrances painted in apple green and bright red canvas awnings. The primary school located on the ground floor of the northern building also features splashes of red. The play on colours continues inside the building, enhanced by a choice of materials including concrete, metal and translucent glass. Between the buildings, common social areas are provided by terrace steps, a central esplanade and a play area. The base of the complex is formed by an underground car park.
The neighbourhood offers around fifty dwellings of varying sizes, thus catering for different sized households, promoting social integration and prioritising the family.
