Sustainability

Listelo Skin is a terracotta facade system made from natural, non-toxic, renewable materials that do not emit harmful substances. It enhances building aesthetics while promoting environmental harmony. The product improves indoor comfort by reducing energy consumption for climate control, thus lowering greenhouse gas emissions. It is durable and weather-resistant, minimizing long-term waste. Production emphasizes environmental responsibility through 100% water reuse, CO2 emission reduction via solar energy, and full recycling of waste.

Shapes

Listelo Skin offers a diverse range of elegant shapes combining modern and traditional aesthetics, suitable for exterior and interior applications. Shapes include Simple, Montaña, Pirámide, Valle, Colina 1 & 2, Rayado, Onda, Conca, Cumbre, and Cumbre Simétrico. Thickness ranges from 10mm to 20mm, with lengths between 300mm and 500mm depending on the shape. The system maintains durability and ease of maintenance regardless of shape.

Colours

The product features an extensive palette of pre-developed, laboratory-tested colors grouped into series such as Texas, Grat, Danubio, Kelty, Sheffield, Eno, Drem, Roma, and Makalu. Custom colors can be developed collaboratively with clients to meet specific project needs.

Packing

Packing specifications vary by shape and size, detailing square meters per pallet, weight per pallet and per square meter, pieces per box, boxes per pallet, and installation efficiency (joint size 7mm). For example, the Simple shape (6x30 cm) provides approximately 64.65 sqm per pallet weighing about 1324 kg, with 49 pieces per box and 17.9 kg per sqm. Similar detailed data supports logistics and installation planning.

Projects

Listelo Skin has been successfully applied in multiple Swiss architectural projects, including residential and student accommodation buildings, demonstrating adaptability and aesthetic appeal.

Project Overview: Galerie-Garden, Petit-Lancy, Geneva

This 48-unit residential building with mixed-use spaces and underground parking was designed by Atelier Bonnet architectes and developed from 2016 to 2022. It responds to Geneva's urban densification strategy by optimizing existing urban fabric while preserving cultivable zones.

Urban Context and Design Philosophy

The project explores vertical expansion enabled by 2008 regulations, studying three typologies: closing a 19th-century block, replacing a villa with a building on its garden, and optimizing a fallow plot. The design balances urban density with quality living by mitigating nuisances, managing sightlines, and optimizing orientation. Apartment layouts provide generous living spaces and positive urban experiences.

Architectural Concept and Landscape Integration

The building replaces a villa in the Surville villa district, respecting original villa positions and arborization. A distinctive north-south oriented volume features living rooms facing south and west. A generous gallery acts as a climatic filter and substitutes original villa gardens, supporting vegetation growth on a metallic mesh to create a dynamic microclimate. The facade contrasts metallic structural elements with pierced faience cladding unified by horizontal profiles.

Technical Specifications and Construction Details

• Prefabricated concrete balconies with slight slopes (1.8% to 4.5%) and smooth undersides.
• Stainless steel structural components including posts (~101.6mm diameter), rainwater downpipes (~80mm diameter), balcony separators, and guardrails with cable mesh infill.
• Balcony galleries constructed with stainless steel profiles and textile metal mesh for vegetation support.
• Facade assembly combining 10mm ceramic tile cladding over up to 200mm mineral wool insulation, reinforced concrete walls, and 10mm gypsum interior finishes.
• Wood-metal window frames with integrated cleaning openings and pre-frame fixation systems.
• External shading devices using Griesser Sigara and Soloscreen fabric awnings with electrical supply and tensioning systems.
• Waterproofing with PMMA resin and Sika membranes, including integrated overflow drainage systems.
• Thermal insulation using XPS and Foamglas materials, vapor barriers, and detailed sealing joints (Thiokol, Neoferma, elastic mortar).
• Electrical installations on balconies with waterproof sockets and scaffolding suspension points.

Engineering and Collaboration

The project involved civil engineers (Ingeni), building physics experts (Effin’Art), and landscape architects (Oxalis and Varia bureau de paysage), ensuring structural integrity, climatic performance, and landscape integration.

Recommendations and Best Practices

• Use metallic textile mesh on galleries to promote vegetation growth and microclimate creation.
• Prefabricate balconies for quality control and ease of installation.
• Integrate shading devices with electrical supply for comfort and energy efficiency.
• Detail facade insulation and waterproofing carefully to ensure durability and thermal performance.
• Design galleries as climatic filters balancing urban density with quality outdoor spaces.

Limitations and Constraints

Design had to comply with urban regulations allowing vertical expansion while respecting neighborhood character. Structural and material choices were constrained by static and implementation requirements, especially for metallic gallery and balcony assemblies. Orientation and volume were influenced by site conditions and planning rules, affecting apartment layouts and facade design.

Summary of Drawings and Details

• Site plan and situation map (1:1500 scale).
• Floor plans from ground to attic (1:300 to 1:350 scale).
• Elevations and cross-sections (1:300 to 1:350 scale).
• Balcony assembly details including stainless steel profiles, rainwater drainage, and prefabricated concrete elements (1:20 to 1:5 scale).
• Facade details showing tile cladding, insulation layers, window fixation, and shading device integration (1:20 to 1:5 scale).
• Waterproofing and sealing joint details.

These drawings provide critical guidance for execution and ensure compliance with architectural and technical standards.

Facade Technical Specifications

• Facade layers: 10mm tile cladding, 5mm adhesive, reinforcing mesh with 5mm embedding mortar, 200mm mineral wool insulation, 5mm adhesive for insulation panels, 200mm reinforced concrete, and 10mm interior gypsum plaster.
• Insulation: Mineral wool panels (110mm and 200mm) combined with STO facade insulation panels and specialized adhesive/sealing bands (STO-Compribande Lento).
• Metalwork: Stainless steel brushed caissons (4mm thick) fabricated and welded in workshops for sunshade and window frame fixings; aluminum folded profiles (3mm thick) and stainless steel profiles (4mm thick) for closures and joints.
• Sealing and waterproofing: SikaMembrane Outdoor Plus with SikaBond 444 adhesive around sunshade caissons; butyl sealing bands and STO sealing tapes for airtightness and moisture protection.
• Sunshade system: Griesser Soloscreen fabric blinds integrated with electrical conduits (Symalen 25/20mm sleeves) and fixed via pre-frame systems (Iso-top Winframer) installed by carpenters and metalworkers.

Construction and Installation Procedures

• Facade insulation and mineral wool installed by specialists before metal caissons and sunshade systems.
• Metal components pre-fabricated and welded in workshops, installed on-site with precise alignment and sealing.
• Electrical connections for sunshades routed through protective sleeves coordinated with facade and metalwork installation.
• Cleaning and maintenance openings (oscillating windows and cleaning hatches) integrated into facade design.

Urban and Architectural Context

The project addresses urban densification in central Geneva, responding to regulations allowing vertical extensions. It explores typologies of block completion, villa replacement, and parcel optimization. The architectural approach balances density with quality living through optimized orientation, privacy, and noise protection. Facade design draws inspiration from natural elements, linking aesthetically to landscaped surroundings.

Material and Product References

• Facade tiles and cladding use terracotta products from Tempio, including Listelo Skin and Listelo Simple collections.
• Metalwork and sealing products include stainless steel profiles, aluminum folded profiles, Sika waterproofing membranes, and STO insulation/sealing systems.
• Sunshade fabrics are Griesser Soloscreen type with specialized fixing and electrical systems.

Critical Parameters and Best Practices

• Adhere precisely to layering and thickness for insulation and cladding to meet thermal and acoustic requirements.
• Use factory-welded metal components for quality and installation ease.
• Apply waterproofing membranes and sealing bands meticulously to prevent moisture ingress.
• Coordinate electrical installations for sunshades with facade and metalwork phases to avoid conflicts.
• Incorporate maintenance access points seamlessly into facade design for long-term usability.

Summary of Drawings and Details

• Facade cross-sections showing insulation, cladding, and metal profiles.
• Sunshade installation details including caisson fixation and electrical supply.
• Window frame pre-frame systems and cleaning openings.
• Sealing joint details with profiles and membranes.

These drawings are essential for execution and quality control on site.