Restoring the Caux Palace: an ongoing effort

The CAUX-Initiatives of Change Foundation (CAUX-IofC) usually takes advantage of the winter season to maintain its historical heritage site and make its facilities more environmental-friendly, in line with its commitment to sustainable living.

One of the main renovations of 2016 was restoring the tunnel through which runs the railway line Montreux – Les Rochers de Naye. The works began on August 29, 2016 and ended on November 20, 2016. It was the first time the railway gallery was ever renovated since its construction in the 1900s. "It was urgent to conduct such restoration because the tunnel was deteriorating and posing risks to both the traffic and the users," said Ludovic Lafont, Service Center Director at CAUX-IofC and supervisor of the project.

The works were completed in cooperation with the Building, Heritage and Logistics Department of the Canton de Vaud in order to ensure that the new tunnel was in compliance with historical standards. The railway re-opened in mid-November, enabling locals, tourists and visitors to travel again safely. Overall, the cost of the project was about CHF 800,000 for which the responsibility lies entirely with the Foundation. We would like to extend a warm thank you to all the private donors who supported the project.

In 2017, the Foundation will conduct further renovation works, notably in the terrace promenade and its archway. This project will last for several years and its goal is to make the promenade look like it was originally intended to. In particular, the damaged esplanade and the stone wall will be fully repaired and restored. As the owner of the Caux Palace, the CAUX-IofC Foundation has been constantly and permanently renovating the estate since the 1980s, whether by refurbishing the rooms and interior of the Palace or as part of a bigger project such as restoring the terrace.

Simultaneously, the CAUX-IofC Foundation contracted E Celcius Group to build a new remote heating station, which was inaugurated on October 26, 2016. The plant provides thermal energy to the Caux Palace and its annexes as well as to the neighboring Rose-Croix School. The two oil-fired boilers that date back to 1988 were no longer meeting the pollution standards and were therefore replaced by a new boiler room, which is 80% wood-fired and 20% oil-fired. The works started in July 2015 and lasted about a year. Setting up such a boiler room in the rather small space of the Caux Palace’s basement was not an easy task. Quite a few difficulties had to be overcome to enable the installation of the new heating system.

This ecological project marks an important milestone for CAUX-IofC's commitment to sustainable development. "This will help us save about 600 tons of fossil-based CO2 per year," said Christoph Keller, Facility Manager at CAUX-IofC. "The wood used for the fuel comes from the region, which allows us to reduce both transportation and CO2 emissions, while supporting the local economy."

This is how the Caux Palace has been maintained and refurbished over the years in order to ensure the preservation and sustainability of this unique place. Help us preserve our heritage and support our mission!