The Vitrocsa revolution
All technical revolutions need their pioneers. Although not known to the wider public, Eric Joray is one of them. The Vitrocsa founder is the inventor of the modern minimalist window.
Why “modern”?
The first minimalist windows were actually developed in 1945. However, the technology available at that time could not provide the sealing, insulating or strength properties found in today’s windows. It was not until 1992, after another 47 years of developments in glass production, that Eric Joray invented the Vitrocsa minimalist window, using patented methods that would revolutionise the world of architecture.
It was, in every sense of the word, a revolution. Let’s make a comparison:
- Nikola Tesla did not come up with the concept of the alternating current. What he did do was make it transportable and usable on a large scale – an innovation that had a profound effect on our civilisation.
- Likewise, Eric Joray did not come up with the concept of the minimalist window. What he did do was invert the classic principles of its construction.
By enabling the glass to support its frame, Vitrocsa systems can replace traditional window frames with near-invisible casing profiles. This was the starting point for more than 25 years of innovation that would expand the boundaries of architecture across a broad range of applications.
But let’s go back to the beginning…
It all started with an orchid
Eric Joray’s professional decisions were guided by his passions. Trained in precision mechanics, he worked in the watchmaking sector for 10 years – a natural choice for this boy from the Neuchâtel mountains. He then became involved in the creation of prefabricated homes. Crucially, this gave him eight years’ experience in the fields of architecture and construction. He then began growing orchids.
Watchmaking, architecture, orchids… three fields brought together by Eric Joray’s passion for beauty, and linked by a simple sentence:
“I love the fact that a craftsman is also a little bit of an artist”.
Having trouble making the link to minimalist windows? Well, where do you grow orchids? In greenhouses and conservatories… with large glazed panels. He combined his expertise to build more than 800 conservatories, marking the first milestone on the journey to his true vocation.
Staying true to his roots, he created the first modern minimalist window in Saint-Aubin-Sauges, Switzerland, in a former watchmaking building that would become his company headquarters. And, true to his values, he employed only those who shared his love of technical mastery and overcoming challenges. The result was Vitrocsa: a contraction of “VITRes” (French for windows), “Orchidées” (orchids), “Constructions” and “SA” (a French abbreviation used by public limited companies). A simple word signifying the vocations of a life built around originality.
The world leader in minimalist windows
Vitrocsa has developed an infinite range of custom window systems to meet even the most outlandish of architects’ specifications:
- Sliding doors and windows with invisible frames.
- Huge detachable frameless windows.
- Entire facades which disappear into the air or are hidden in partitions.
The guiding principle? To creatively blend indoors and outdoors.
The famous Genevan architect, Andrea Bassi, was the first person to install a Vitrocsa system in a villa. This provided the impetus, and the rest was word-of-mouth. Seduced by the flawlessness and versatility of the products, world-renowned architects lined up to work with Vitrocsa. The resulting collaborations produced works of breathtaking beauty:
- Boxes at the Municipal Stadium of Braga
- Top floor of the Maison Dior in Seoul
- Seventh floor of the Shangri-La Hotel in Paris
- Homes of Lenny Kravitz and Michael Bay in California
These are just a few examples, since it would be practically impossible to list the many thousands of projects – famous or otherwise – that incorporate Vitrocsa products. Not to mention the numerous prizes and awards they have received.
Vitrocsa now exports its systems to more than 60 countries across five continents. Its products remain best-sellers around the world.
Philosophy
No need to say any more about innovation or product quality. These characteristics, inherent to the company, need no further proof. What about the people and their working methods? Simple…
Vitrocsa is a multinational with the attitude of a small firm of craftsmen.
What matters most is a passion for the job and a desire to overcome challenges. We invent, we create, we produce. We design the best solutions to meet the needs of all architects and customers, whether large or small. An entrepreneurial philosophy that Eric Joray has passed on to his team and partners. He describes this way of working in a few words:
“Let people do their thing. Develop a passion for the product, a sense of collaboration and complete confidence.”
All company employees are trained on the job. Management and administrative theory takes a back seat. Each member of staff develops their skills through practical application, progressing and bringing their expertise to the table which, in turn, increases their pride and motivation. Employees think of Vitrocsa products as their own. They feel a shared sense of pride in accomplishing exceptional things with individual autonomy. Each one experiences them as personal successes. The friendly, almost familial atmosphere creates a desire to engage both physically and mentally, not to mention a desire to stay! Most employees have been with the company for between 10 and 20 years.
These are the secrets of a thriving company with a global reach.
While Vitrocsa did not especially seek to expand internationally in its early stages, its approach has enabled it to establish solid partnerships all over the world, helping it to develop. This allows the parent company to focus exclusively on what it does best: research, product development, communication, contacts and training. Its products are installed by exclusive partners who receive training in Switzerland on installation techniques… and the Vitrocsa ethos. Naturally.
It’s an adventure that cannot be conveyed in a few words. To find out the whole Vitrocsa story: its history, values, philosophy, people and ethos…
Skills
Vitrocsa is a close-knit team of reliable, friendly professionals who are always ready with expert responses to individual questions and needs. Please use the contact form to get in touch with us. We will reply as quickly as possible.
