The Swiss Renens railroad station unveils a new look with the “Rayon Vert” pedestrian bridge, designed to handle increasing passenger flows. It is the centerpiece of the infrastructure project “Léman 2030” and visually enhances the public space. Its striking blue roof, made of polycarbonate panels from Rodeca, combines aesthetics with sustainable functionality. In this way, the light building elements not only characterize the architectural appearance, but also create a bright, inviting atmosphere.

Renens station, located in the canton of Vaud in Switzerland, is a key transport hub for the Lausanne region. Established in 1855, this historic junction has grown in importance over the years, connecting various rail lines, including the Lausanne-Geneva and the Simplon route. As part of the “Léman 2030” initiative, extensive modernization efforts have been undertaken to manage the increase in passenger traffic since the 2000s. By 2030, the number of passengers is expected to exceed 100,000 a day. The project was realized by an interdisciplinary team, including the architecture firm Farra Zoumboulakis & Associés, the metal construction company Sottas SA as well as a landscape architecture firm. The construction work at Renens station took around four years.

Harmony of green and blue

A central element of the modernization project is the “Rayon Vert” pedestrian bridge. The name, meaning “green ray “, refers to an optical phenomenon in which a green ray of light is briefly visible on the horizon at sunset or sunrise. In urban projects, the term is often used symbolically to emphasize sustainability or green urban developments. The design of the bridge focuses on integrating nature and structure, allowing climbing plants to blend architecture with the landscape. The green vegetation complements the blue roof, creating a harmonious public space. The bridge acts as both a functional transport link and an architectural landmark for the region. It extends over a length of 150 meters and connects the north and south of the tracks. With a width of 16 meters, it accommodates the increasing passenger numbers and provides direct access to platforms and transportation links.

Custom design

The striking blue roof made of polycarbonate panels from Rodeca is a key component of the bridge. It extends over the entire structure in a light shade of blue. The PC 2630-25-6 HD U-panel used was specifically developed for the project. The creation process began in June 2016. The color and finish were determined in close collaboration with the architect Emmanuel Colomb from Farra Zoumboulakis & Associés. The HD version of the U-panel was created in September 2017. Rodeca coordinated the installation and provided advice on site in Switzerland. This was followed by the first delivery of the panel in November 2017. The further process was finished in July 2023, when the last delivery of materials was completed. The precisely planned and lengthy project made it possible to design a roof system that is both aesthetic and functional. The roof protects passers-by from the rain and at the same time provides shade without severely dimming the natural light. This results in a constantly friendly lighting atmosphere, even in cloudy weather. As a result, the Rodeca panels create a bright, airy atmosphere that makes the track crossing area visually appealing.

Longlife and heavy duty with PC 2630-25-6

The new Rodeca U-panel PC 2630-25-6 HD made of polycarbonate is a suitable solution for demanding construction projects. With a width of 630 millimeters and a thickness of 25 millimeters, it consists of six layers with five chambers. This multi-layer construction reduces heat loss without significantly impairing the transparency of the material. The panel is therefore characterized by good thermal insulation of around 1.6 W/m²K. It also offers an optimum balance between energy efficiency and light transmission. As part of the Renens project, a Longlife Plus version of the panel with a layer thickness of 80 µm was used. Rodeca provides a 15-year-guarantee for this project. The HD designation indicates high durability, suitable for challenging environments.

Appealing design and longevity

In its DuoColor version, the new U-panel combines two color nuances in a gradient that allows the light transmission to be adjusted. Its an interesting solution for architects who want to make efficient use of natural light and set visual accents at the same time. The elements used in Renens are a combination of the shades petrol and petrol opal, creating a subtle yet striking blue tone. The opalized petrol ensures diffuse light distribution without glare. In addition, the short, outward-facing side of the panel is coated with the robust Longlife Plus coating. The special coating offers improved protection against UV rays and extends the durability of the U-panel, especially on the short side, which is more exposed to direct sunlight. Thanks to the Longlife Plus coating, the panel offers exceptional durability with a 15-year guarantee. It is therefore particularly suitable for the use in exposed areas, such as the Renens railroad station.

Symbol of change

The new “Rayon Vert” bridge is much more than a functional crossing over the tracks. Rather, it symbolizes the regional modernization. It also won the “Flâneur d’Or 2023” award for exemplary pedestrian infrastructure last year. The striking blue roof made of polycarbonate panels from Rodeca plays a central role in this by meeting both functional and aesthetic requirements at the highest level, transforming Renens station into a vibrant, attractive location.

Further information is available at www.rodeca.de.