Renovation of an existing building: The new branch of the Banque Cantonale Neuchâteloise in Le Landeron

The renovation of the customer area in Le Landeron delivers a high level of spatial and functional quality. Modernised building services, new windows and a clear lighting strategy enhance comfort and orientation. Enclosed yet transparent consultation offices, along with the expanded 24-hour zone featuring an autosafe, strengthen both the customer experience and the working environment.

The renovation of the customer area in Le Landeron delivers a high level of spatial and functional quality. Modernized building services, new windows and a clear lighting strategy enhance comfort and orientation. Enclosed yet transparent consultation offices, along with the expanded 24-hour zone featuring an autosafe, strengthen both the customer experience and the working environment.

Situated between the Jura foothills and the shores of Lake Biel, Le Landeron is characterised by its medieval townscape and tranquil lakeside atmosphere. This setting shaped the interior design approach to the renovation of the customer area: a clear, functional intervention focused on usability and spatial quality. Although the building itself is not historic, the renovation represents a significant upgrade and a clear increase in the branch’s long-term value.

The bank’s management placed strong emphasis on spatial comfort for both employees and customers. All technical building systems were renewed and the windows replaced to improve energy performance and ensure a pleasant indoor climate.

With the expansion of the 24-hour zone and the installation of a new autosafe, the bank has strengthened its service offering. The formerly open customer area was completely reorganized, resulting in enclosed consultation offices with generous glazing that combine visual openness with acoustic privacy. According to Jérémy Gaillard, this solution significantly improves the quality of consultations and reinforces relationships with customers.

The new lighting concept provides intuitive orientation: visitors are naturally guided toward the reception desk, positioned beneath a backlit ceiling. The former vault has been transformed into a large meeting room — a calm setting dedicated to focused and in-depth discussions.

The brand wall plays with depth and three-dimensional effect inspired by the gentle movement of the lake. Its pattern subtly evokes fish scales, creating a descreet yet tangible connection to the surrounding lakeside environment.

The renovation strengthens not only customer orientation but also employer branding. Bright workspaces, controlled acoustics and a coherent spatial identity foster employee engagement, well-being and professionalism.

The result is a modernised, future-oriented branch — welcoming for customers and a pleasant workplace for employees.

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The colours of the old town and the lake’s layered depths

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Material mood

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Coffee zone and meeting area in the former vault

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Brand wall and meeting room

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The 24-hour zone connected to the bank

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Reception area

Scalable design
The design is based on the architectural charter developed for BCN in 2019 as part of the «Cernier Advisory Center» project. With targeted interventions, we have captured the zeitgeist and characteristics of this new location. Le Landeron is characterised by warm color tones and distinctive brand walls which are perfectly in line with BCN’s visual identity, creating a cohesive and unified image to the public.

The concept of a scalable, modular design provides clear answers to questions of branding, ergonomics and customer experience.

How does interior architecture strengthen customer relationships in a bank branch?
Through clear orientation, a calm atmosphere and confidential consultation spaces. In Le Landeron, the new spatial organisation creates a framework of trust that encourages meaningful exchange.

What role does interior architecture play in employer branding?
It directly influences employee well-being and identification with the workplace. The new spaces in Le Landeron convey calm, clarity and coherence.

When is it worth renovating an existing branch?
Especially when the bank owns the property and the location offers strong visibility. In such cases, renovation sustainably enhances customer experience and long-term value creation.

What impact does lighting have in a bank branch?
Lighting structures space, provides orientation and conveys a sense of security. In Le Landeron, it intuitively guides customers to the reception area.

Why choose transparent yet enclosed consultation offices?
They offer visual openness combined with acoustic privacy, meeting today’s requirements for personal banking consultations.

How can existing architectural heritage be integrated into a renovation?
By reinterpreting existing elements — such as the former vault, now transformed into a meeting room.

How does a brand wall strengthen a sense of place?
It creates a strong visual anchor and emphasizes local identity through textures inspired by the lake.

What are the benefits of an autosafe in a 24-hour zone?
It expands self-service offerings, increases flexibility for customers and optimizes operational processes.

We would like to thank all those involved for their loyal, efficient and enjoyable collaboration and wish the on-site team every success and many productive conversations at the Le Landeron branch.

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