THE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT

Innovative and unique project in Switzerland

A competence center for transition within a living ecosystem, based on the circular economy, bringing together on one site: a biodynamic farm, an educational hotel, an inclusive restaurant, as well as a dedicated space for well-being and natural health.

Votre Cercle de Vie project addresses environmental and societal challenges by fostering a connection between humans, animals, and nature, within a farm in regenerative agriculture. It raises awareness and supports the general public, companies, schools, public actors, and other project holders on the transition journey.
The Votre Cercle de Vie project won the "Hotel Innovation Award 2022" presented by GastroSuisse and the Swiss Hotel Credit Corporation.

What is this project all about? You can explore the universe of the "Votre Cercle de Vie" project through the below 3D animation or description of the general concept and two main buildings.

« Bovino »

The main building

The Votre Cercle de Vie’s construction project of the buildings is located in the centre of the village, in the middle of 20 hectares of farmland. It consists of two buildings surrounded by a park and areas dedicated to bio-ecological gardens. The architectural concepts are inspired by Feng Shui and the order established by nature (sacred geometry) is used for the design; the "Bovino" building will emerge from the hill and will completely merge with its surroundings. This blend of organic architecture (green roofs) and the traditional architectural style of the Pays-d'Enhaut - facades covered with shingles (small wooden tiles) - will fit perfectly into the heart of nature.    

The 6-floor main building "Bovino" will accommodate the farm, the restaurant, hotel rooms, natural wellness, the biogas plant, and the underground car park. The secondary building "Planto" will be composed of 4 floors, including the reception, the organic and bulk shop, general medicine and naturopathic surgery, conference rooms, and the dormitories.

The Project Today

Where are we currently with the project? We have reached a significant milestone as the public inquiry concluded on March 11, 2024. Since then, we have addressed oppositions with the municipality through conciliation sessions. We are now awaiting the Municipal Council's decision in September to bring the area to be build into compliance for obtaining the building permit. Additionally, following this step, we are finalizing details on the construction plans in coordination with various Cantonal services.

Simultaneously, considering the project's progress, we are working on securing the construction budget, amounting to CHF 45.45 million. Reflecting the project's holistic nature, we aim to implement comprehensive financing, involving different stakeholders and offering our partners the opportunity to become contributors to the project. To explore the various forms of support, we invite you to visit our page “Action”.

RADIO CHABLAIS INTERVIEW

February 16, 2024

Esther Mottier gave an interview on Radio Chablais on February 16, during which she explained in detail the "Votre Cercle de Vie" project.

We invite you to listen to the interview by clicking here.

CONSTRUCTION PROJECT DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION

Here you will find all our current documents and information about the project

Brochure 2022 (EN)
Aanimated presentation
BIMx 3D model
Film "Esther's Wager"

A 5-year business plan has been drawn up and validated by the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL) and Crédit Hôtelier.
If you would like to have access to the business plan of the project, please e-mail us at info@votre-cercledevie.ch
The Votre Cercle de Vie project currently benefits from academic partnerships with prestigious training institutes in Switzerland: École hôtelière de Lausanne (EHL), University of Lausanne (UNIL), Bern University of Applied Sciences (BFH) and John F. Kennedy International School. The project has been the subject of several academic studies.

MISSION, VISION & VALUES

Votre Cercle de Vie

Mission: Creating a bond between humanity and nature through agriculture to raise awareness and practice sustainability on a daily basis, by sharing skills.

Vision: Be a reference for the sustainable development of the planet's resources

Values: Authenticity, Biodiversity, Sustainability, Innovation, Serenity, Solidarity, Tradition, Transparency, Inclusiveness, Sharing, and Networking 

Esprit Ensemble Fondation

The Esprit Ensemble Foundation was created to support and promote projects implementing initiatives for a holistic, balanced, and nature-connected society. Founded in 2018, it is headquartered in Château-d'Œx.

Its vision is that the world mirrors the living, interdependent image; change can only be systemic.

Its first mission is the realization of the Votre Cercle de Vie project to plan the construction of the architectural project, secure funding, and organize awareness-raising work around the project. The Foundation is the owner of the new infrastructures that will be built for the Votre Cercle de Vie project to ensure the sustainability of this site, a tool in service of its mission.