Located at the western entrance to Vevey, the Nestlé "En Bergère" headquarters is an ensemble of modernist architecture built over several decades. The site, formerly occupied by the Grand Hôtel, is defined by its adherence to the International Style and its integration into the lakeside landscape.
Building A (The Tschumi Building)
Designed by Jean Tschumi and constructed between 1956 and 1960, Building A is a primary example of postwar modernism in Switzerland. Because the construction permit limited the height to 27.5 meters (the height of the previous hotel), Tschumi utilized a Y-shaped floor plan to provide sufficient office space for 1,000 employees.
Nestlé headquarter, Vevey - Building A
The facade features extensive use of aluminum, a technical choice that led to Tschumi receiving the R.S. Reynolds Memorial Award from the American Institute of Architects in 1960.
Nestlé headquarter, Vevey - Building A
Nestlé headquarter, Vevey - Building A
The five-storey structure is elevated on pilotis, creating an open ground-floor lobby with direct views of Lake Geneva.
At the core of the Y-shaped junction lies the Escalier Chambord. Named for its double-helix design reminiscent of the Château de Chambord, this spiral staircase serves as the structural and aesthetic heart of the building.
Escalier Chambord
Escalier Chambord
Tschumi’s initial plans called for a lanterneau (skylight) to provide natural light to the central core, but technical requirements for a ventilation unit took precedence in 1960. During the 1997–1999 renovation, researchers recovered the original plans. A new skylight was fabricated using fiberglass and epoxy resin by the Morges-based shipyard Décision. This addition replaced the ventilation machinery, allowing the staircase to be lit from above as originally intended.
Escalier Chamboard and skylight
Escalier Chambord
Building B (Burckhardt & Partner Extension)
To the east of the original site, an extension was added in 1975 by Burckhardt & Partner. Known as "Le Bourgeois," the building was designed with a cornice height that respected local zoning and the profile of the Tschumi building.
Building B
The two structures are connected via a series of ramps and stairs to account for the elevation change on the site.
Ramps and staircases connecting buildings A and B
Ramps and staircases connecting buildings A and B
From 2017 to 2021, RDR Architectes oversaw a complete renovation of this building. While the internal load-bearing structure was retained, the facade was replaced with electrochromic glass. This "smart" glass adjusts its tint to manage solar gain and glare, eliminating the need for external blinds.
The WellNes Centre
In 2008, the campus was further expanded with the WellNes Centre, a circular pavilion designed by RDR Architectes. This structure houses the employee cafeteria.
WellNes Centre
path connecting building A and the WellNes Centre
