Visit to the Les Mélèzes state-owned building and its new elevation

©Direction de la Communication – Manuel Vitali

On 25 January 2024, ministers Marco Piccinini (Finance and Economy) and Céline Caron-Dagioni (Public Works, the Environment and Urban Development) welcomed Brigitte Boccone-Pagès, President of the National Council, and National Council members Jade Aureglia, Maryse Battaglia, Marie-Noëlle Gibelli, Marine Hugonnet-Grisoul and Franck Julien* for a visit of the state-owned building Les Mélèzes.

Extensive renovations were carried out in the building in 2021-2022, followed by the construction of additional storeys to add 14 new flats in line with the National Housing Plan for Monegasques.

The visit was an opportunity for the delegation to see the quality of renovations to the entrance hall and public areas and to visit the recently completed flats.

A first phase involved renovating the building with the aim of improving energy efficiency and the fire safety equipment of this older-generation state-owned complex, as well as the comfort of its residents.

The installation of external thermal insulation work was accompanied by the replacement of windows and a transition to a different heating system; first from fuel oil to natural gas and later to the district’s heating and cooling network. The building and its additional storeys now consume less energy than before. Thermal and acoustic insulation in the flats is improved.

Resident comfort has also been improved by practical things like standard mailboxes, the much-appreciated installation of a lift right at the entrance to the building, access to a rubbish area that complies with recycling procedures, and the installation of a videophone system and balcony lighting.

A second phase involved the elevation of the two-storey building, led by the developer J.B. Pastor & Fils, who also developed the renovation project. It is an innovative and unprecedented solution for a state-owned building: instead of using traditional building methods, prefabricated modules were made in a factory and shipped and assembled into flats directly on site.

The 14 type-F2 flats, which include fully equipped kitchens, were recently visited by the beneficiaries, who, seeing the quality of the housing, their orientation and optimal lay-out, all approved.

* They were accompanied by Alexis Poyet, Chief of Staff, and Virginie Vecchierini, Social Affairs Officer.