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In the vibrant and historically rich area of Saint-Denis, a new low carbon architectural feat has been completed. This project, which combines two adjoining buildings separated by an expansion joint, is set to become the new headquarters for GRDF, the national gas company, and a business incubator for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Saint-Denis, known for its cultural diversity and dynamic community, provides an ideal backdrop for this innovative development. The area is undergoing significant transformation, blending its storied past with modern advancements, making it a hub for both heritage and progress.
The partnership between Stora Enso and WO2 has been pivotal in bringing this project to fruition. Stora Enso, a leader in renewable materials, and WO2, renowned for their sustainable construction practices, have collaborated to create a building that meets exacting environmental standards. GRDF chose WO2 for their commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of the new head office.
The first employees are set to move in by December 2024 marking a significant milestone. The second building, developed by RIVP, will serve as a business incubator, fostering innovation and growth among small businesses and workshops. This dual-purpose project exemplifies the synergy between corporate responsibility and community development.
Sylva™ the modern, mass timber kit of parts by Stora Enso has played a crucial role in addressing the construction challenges of this project. By providing high-quality, sustainable wood products, Sylva has enabled the creation of a superstructure that is both robust and low carbon.
The Sylva kit (5,326 m³ of Sylva Floors) only generated 280 tonnes of greenhouse gases (CO₂e) to manufacture and 162 tonnes of CO₂e to transport. Compared to the 4,058 tonnes of carbon dioxide that the trees removed while growing and will store in the building, this is a small fraction. Choosing Sylva CLT elements instead of non-renewables avoided 6,087 tonnes of greenhouse gases. (Source: Stora Enso Carbon Calculator. Try it out and see what how small the carbon footprint of your project would be too).
The post-and-beam timber frame with Sylva CLT Floors and timber-framed façades incorporating aluminium joinery and metal cladding ensures the building’s structural integrity and sustainability. The use of biogas supplied by GRDF as part of the heating solution further enhances the building’s sustainability credentials.
The project has garnered significant recognition for its commitment to sustainability and innovation. It is targeted to achieve BBCA Excellent, BREEAM Very Good, Biodiversity, E2C2, HQE, and Wiredscore Gold certifications, underscoring its adherence to the highest environmental and technological standards.
Additionally, it has been awarded the Silver Pyramid for ‘Low Carbon Building’ by the Fédération des Promoteurs Immobiliers (French Federation of Property Developers). These accolades highlight the project’s excellence in sustainable construction and its role as a benchmark for future developments.
Learn more about the advantages with mass timber
| Area (m²) | 35,000 |
| Storeys | 8 |
| Products and Services | Sylva™ CLT Floors and Roofs |
| Product quality | INV |
| Product volume (m³) | 5,326 |
| Partner of Stora Enso | WO2 |
| Developer |
Icamap WO2 |
| Architect | VALODE ET PISTRE |
| Structural Engineer |
Terrell Group VP & Green Engineering |
| MEP Designer | BARBANEL |
| Main contractor | GCC |
| Specialist Timber Subcontractor | Mathis Construction Bois |
| Timber engineer | TERRELL |