![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FQuaiDesBergues_Make-29.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=158&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=56f017c798114092f961702fc7d101a8 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FQuaiDesBergues_Make-29.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=315&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=ed80708ff71896ca2bc0a5884596364a 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FQuaiDesBergues_Make-29.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=576&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=6c731154382f1a60033516fd82c48f97 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FQuaiDesBergues_Make-29.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=768&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=12a4a43cab2e315883fe794b2ed9d562 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FQuaiDesBergues_Make-29.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1050&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=1cc4fa2707d9f0d2ce21142342173fea 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FQuaiDesBergues_Make-29.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1200&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=60cc82996f982f454d21a235eaa3597e 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FQuaiDesBergues_Make-29.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1440&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=cce846616e591999d5b888d7b0930042 1920w)
The scheme required the restoration and consolidation of seven historic, structurally independent buildings into one new building, comprising two basement levels, a ground floor level, and seven floors. A new, single atrium, formed from the existing central courtyards, runs up the building and internally links together the main elements of the scheme.
The works retained important historical elements and details of the existing site, as interspersing the city’s heritage with the bank’s position as a major international player was central to the design brief. As Florian Frotscher, Make partner and project lead architect, states: “The opportunity to revive the historic buildings rather than demolish them, and the need to integrate modern functions, required an architectural language of careful consideration and a balance of constraints with opportunities.”
The buildings are unified by the creation of a regular roof geometry across the two upper floors, clad in traditional tiles in line with the heritage requirements. Fully glazed dormer units, a first for Geneva, add a striking but discreet contemporary element to the roof. A natural stone ground floor façade replaces the previous 1960s glass fronts and the addition of metal canopies creates a contemporary interpretation of the traditional canopy theme and complements the roofline of the new dormer windows.
The architectural concept of balance continues into the interior. The necessity for confidentiality in the bank determined a design that both interlinked the staff and client facilities and conversely kept the two worlds apart. A light, natural oak signifies the predominantly open-plan staff areas, whilst darker American walnut prevails in the reception areas, meeting rooms and private dining rooms. Clients can choose to have complete privacy, should they wish, through the use of their own entrance to the building and dedicated lifts, which transport them direct to the client facilities.
A sense of enclosure has been achieved in each of the meeting and dining rooms where the internal wall finish curves at the junction of roof and wall. This is reflected in the horizontal joinery ‘strata’ elements running along the corridor walls and spilling into each of the meeting and dining rooms; its form becomes a contemporary re-interpretation of traditional wood panelling, and incorporates shelving, storage and digital displays.
In line with Swiss energy regulations, it was important to consider sustainability measures in the overall scheme and in relation to the architectural themes. The innovative use of lake water to cool the building is juxtaposed with the craftsmanship applied to the use of locally-sourced, natural materials in all the main spaces.
HSBC Quai des Bergues was completed in collaboration with local architects Itten Brechbühl SA in spring 2014. It becomes Make’s second HSBC project following the successful delivery of HSBC Private Bank’s Back Office at Blandonnet in 2010.
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FQuaiDesBergues_Make-14.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=140&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=b7ba267968c17808901c452e90284d31 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FQuaiDesBergues_Make-14.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=617c0e0134832933f0d585cc0a1a272a 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FQuaiDesBergues_Make-14.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=512&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=325cc6fee127b56c1d4874e4d44159d4 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FQuaiDesBergues_Make-14.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=683&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=ee1dd70ee367b82f92bfa98034ff01c4 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FQuaiDesBergues_Make-14.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=933&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=111ba113b42f206285aa8210d76ca4b1 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FQuaiDesBergues_Make-14.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1067&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=d2fa684f17151f8b612895ccd72b8c7a 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FQuaiDesBergues_Make-14.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1280&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=19fabd87ad0d305959ed44d6a0a13142 1920w)
![#](https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FQuaiDesBergues_Make-25.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=111&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=210&s=5d2bbae49b61cabe63ed243748851b31 210w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FQuaiDesBergues_Make-25.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=222&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=420&s=7704fcbc187923d2977f9c4e97df0c6d 420w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FQuaiDesBergues_Make-25.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=407&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=768&s=463a899d3508841b6e130124b43721e3 768w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FQuaiDesBergues_Make-25.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=542&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1024&s=f21e1ccc429dcdb2c305d9b5a674e6e9 1024w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FQuaiDesBergues_Make-25.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=741&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1400&s=12dd7052fc295e718acd00671c1c0249 1400w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FQuaiDesBergues_Make-25.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=847&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1600&s=a9d799052153dc75003fa01ca00ba186 1600w,https://make-arch.imgix.net/https%3A%2F%2Fwww.makearchitects.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2017%2F12%2FQuaiDesBergues_Make-25.jpg?auto=format&crop=center&fit=crop&h=1016&ixlib=php-1.2.1&w=1920&s=24878190e8739d4ed57bc88cdec16077 1920w)