Offices, Saint-Denis

The narrow parcel and the context of the development zone led us to setting the building along the street. There are opening windows on all sides, while the heart of the building is composed of a large 16 x 30m patio. The project aims to promote well-being in the workplace by means of extensive and varied planting (as well as the forest patio there are two large terraces for use on the fifth floor), generous daylighting, and flexibility of spaces. The landings and lift exits offer quiet views over the interior garden.
The building is comprised of a ground floor above which are four levels, from which emerge two slender volumes. The ground floor, with a ceiling height of 5 metres, provides great flexibility of use in order to accommodate halls, restaurant and craft activities.
The 80m-long facade is ordered by an alternating grid of single and double modules. On the standard levels, the single modules are solid and the double modules glazed, whereas on the base, the fifth floor and the top floor, the modules are entirely glazed or louvered. The surface finishes of the concrete were the subject of extensive research in order that the materiality should fully contribute to the spirit and identity of the place, in particular with the stylized imprint of the concrete which evokes a motif from the Basilica of Saint Denis, on the opaque modules.