Coopérative Equilibre is a housing cooperative based in the Geneva region, notable for its experimentation with sustainable building and community-driven urban development. The cooperative has played a pioneering role in both the design and management of innovative housing projects that prioritize ecological and social concerns.
One of its hallmark projects is in the eco-district of Les Vergers in Meyrin, where Coopérative Equilibre constructed three residential buildings using a wood-concrete hybrid structure certified with the Minergie A-ECO label, reflecting stringent environmental standards. These buildings feature mixed-use spaces that encourage community interaction and house a variety of apartment types to accommodate residents of different income levels. The cooperative ensures a balance between social diversity and affordability, including subsidized units for lower-income households.
Another significant initiative is the Rolliet project in Plan-les-Ouates, developed in partnership with another cooperative, Harmonie. This project was awarded after a municipal architectural competition in 2021, with future residents involved in its planning from an early stage.
A third project in Presinge illustrates Coopérative Equilibre’s commitment to sustainability through technical choices such as geothermal energy, wood chip heating, solar panels, and on-site production of clay bricks. The sanitation system separates and recycles waste streams to allow for the recovery of nutrients and water reuse.
Beyond construction, the cooperative organizes participatory workshops and public events to foster economic solidarity and collaborative neighborhood development. Coopérative Equilibre’s activities reflect its dedication to practical, locally rooted solutions for affordable, environmentally responsible housing, setting a distinctive example in Geneva's cooperative movement.