This project, located in Château-d’Oex (Canton of Vaud), involved the change of use and strategic conversion of an underutilized attic into a new residential unit intended for long-term rental as a primary residence, with a clear objective of real estate value enhancement.

Previously used partly as storage and in poor condition, the space represented a high-potential asset within a historic building in the town center. The intervention transformed a non-performing area into an attractive top-floor apartment featuring exposed wooden beams, an open central layout, and abundant natural light through roof windows.

As architects in the Canton of Vaud, we developed the project in alignment with federal regulations (LAT – Swiss Spatial Planning Act) and the Cantonal Structure Plan, which promote urban densification and the optimization of the existing building stock rather than expansion into non-urbanized land. This strategy not only complies with the legal framework but also increases the property’s value within a consolidated urban environment.

Municipal regulations initially envisaged the creation of a duplex connected to the lower floor. However, this solution required complex structural interventions and unnecessary costs that would have reduced the asset’s profitability. Following a thorough technical and financial analysis, we proposed an alternative strategy: converting the attic into an independent dwelling by utilizing the existing staircase access and minimizing invasive interventions.

The result is the creation of a new residential unit within an established urban area, optimizing resources, respecting architectural heritage, and generating a tangible increase in property value. This project demonstrates how a well-planned change of use can become an effective tool for asset appreciation and the attraction of sustainable investment in the Canton of Vaud.