Housing projects such as Fiches Nord in Lausanne are excellent examples of how attractive, environmentally friendly housing can be designed and implemented while remaining affordable for the average earner. The Fiches Nord project, with 670 apartments and a school, is the result of a competition held in 2008 by the Zurich architecture and urban planning firm Züst Gübeli Gambetti. Four compact, polygonal buildings form a flowing continuation of the dense urban fabric to the east.

The design focused on the topics of cost efficiency and sustainability, among other things. During the competition phase, the decision was made to use a façade made of fibre cement as a light, durable and ecologically sustainable material.

The 10 mm thick fibre cement panels, which were specially made for this project, were provided with a 2 mm deep milling. This linear surface structure with relief effect creates an atmospheric play of light and shadow on the façades, depending on the time of day and viewing angle.

The decisive factor for the floor plan of the development was the 122 cm wide, floor-to-ceiling Swisspearl prefabricated elements. Horizontally cut fibre cement panels were used to visually demarcate the floors, but they continue the vertical milling of the main façade panels. The balconies are provided with additional privacy by five floor-to-ceiling Swisspearl slats.