1. Customer desk inspired by a musical box

  2. Customer lounge with stylised pinned cylinder as wall feature

  3. 18h zone with Talos and meeting area

It’s the tone that makes the music: Who doesn’t know the charming musical box?

Raiffeisenbank Mont-Aubert Orbe in Sainte-Croix

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A familiar object that awakens memories. In Sainte-Croix — perched high above the Swiss Plateau and known as the «Balcony of the Jura mountain range» — a new space for consultation and community has been created. More than a renovation, it was a complete reinterpretation of the place, inspired by the musical box.

Initial situation
Following a bomb attack in the summer of 2024, the Raiffeisenbank branch in Sainte-Croix had to be quickly restored. The municipality, renowned worldwide for its precision craftmanship and musical boxes, provided the perfect setting to recreate a space that is both functional and identity-defining — firmly rooted in local history and situated in a geographically outstanding location: the «Balcony of the Jura mountain range».

The music featured in the video comes from an original Reuge musical box made in Sainte-Croix, entitled «Canon Pachelbel N° 1898». It refers to the «Canon and Gigue in D major» by Johann Pachelbel — a well-known Baroque piece composed for three  violins and basso continuo.

Objective
The goal was to design a compact, secure, yet welcoming branch. Beyond the need for a rapid intervention, it was essential to incorporate the site’s unique cultural and geographical context in the interior architecture — bridging artisanal heritage and the panoramic Jura landscape. The result: a space that encourages human connection and embodies quiet, meaningful simplicity.

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Inspiration: The region around Sainte-Croix is known for watchmaking and especially for musical boxes and mechanical music devices

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Customer zone

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Volume and luminous scenography, inspired by the gear teeth of the music box

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Details matter

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Inspired by mechanical heritage – on the wall and the room divider

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Customised pendant light inspired by the musical box’s vibrating sping

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Music in form

Design
The design draws inspiration from the finesse and poetry of the musical box mechanics, a hallmark of Sainte-Croix. Furniture and lighting echo this tradition in a contemporary, minimalist and refined design language.

Despite the limited space, the layout has been optimised to accomodate reception, consultation and confidential exchanges. Materials, lighting and the colour palette create a warm atmosphere where technique, tradition and trust come together.

Our mission
Our team was responsible for the conception, interior design, execution planning and creative construction management in terms of design. In close cooperation with Dolci Architectes SA and the bank’s local team, we developed a tailor-made solution that meets the spacial and emotional demands of this beautiful project.

We thank everyone involved for their trust and the constructive cooperation. We wish the Mont-Aubert Orbe team in Sainte-Croix every success and good conversations in their new premises on the «Balcony of the Jura mountain range».

Do you like what you see? Do you have a similar project in mind or would you like some detailed information?

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