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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Purgerot washyard, built between 1847 and 1849, is a remarkable example of neo-renaissance architecture applied to a utility building. Located in the heart of the public square, it is distinguished by its basins and walls made of cut stone, as well as its cast iron ornaments, including columns with complex Renaissance motifs. These decorative elements, made by forge master Patret, reflect the attention paid to aesthetics in the public constructions of the period.

The construction of the lagoon is part of a wider project to upgrade the Purgerot water infrastructure. In 1847, the city council entrusted architects Charles Lebeuffe and Adrien Renahy with the task of restoring local fountains and creating a new washhouse. The project, which is budgeted at CHF 8,499, includes a privately sourced water pipeline, the owner of which is compensated. The works, awarded to contractors Patret and Guillemin, were completed in 1849.

The washhouse was listed as a historic monument in 1990, a recognition that also included its outdoor paving. Over time, the building has undergone several restorations, including in 1906 (pavement and metal doors) and 1925 (repair of the lantern and replacement of the cover with galvanized sheet metal). These interventions, supervised by the architects Humbert, demonstrate the desire to preserve this communal heritage.

The building combines traditional and innovative materials for its time. Drinkers, placed outside, served both animals and inhabitants, illustrating the central role of washing in everyday life. Its cast iron lantern and its entirely paved floor around the structure underline its importance as a place of sociability and public hygiene in the nineteenth century.

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