Renovation and maintenance of a heritage house in Geneva

At the turn of the 20th century, the entrepreneur Jean-Marie Puthon transformed the former Arpillières estate into a housing development comprising some twenty villas. Launched in 1905, this highly cohesive property development is distinguished by its refined architecture, its landscaped gardens and its urban harmony. A fine achievement, which can still be fully appreciated today.

Situated at the heart of the housing estate, the house embodies the hallmarks of bourgeois architecture, itself inspired by a certain classicism. Its elegant form, slate roof, symmetrical façades and discreet – yet subtle – decorative features lend it an undeniable air of nobility. Although understated, the interior spaces are nonetheless of the highest quality, with a clear spatial layout and meticulous craftsmanship (parquet flooring and moulded cornices, wood panelling, tiled stoves and arched timber beams).

Preserved over the decades, the house retains most of its original features, both inside and out. The recent renovation therefore took a respectful approach to this heritage. As such, the original features have been preserved or restored, whilst those that were lost, such as the windows, have been reconstructed based on authenticated references. Having undergone significant changes over time, the kitchen, bathrooms and various new fittings have been redesigned using materials, colours and finishes in keeping with the aesthetic trends of the early 20th century. Necessary technical works, such as the damp-proofing of the basement and the improvement of the thermal insulation in the attic, have been carried out discreetly.

This understated renovation aims to highlight the building’s original character whilst adapting it to modern-day uses. The aim is to strike the right balance, with the primary focus on respecting the site and its history.