France's Largest Low-Carbon Building

Eiffage Construction broke ground on a new ecological urban campus in Clichy, France, northwest of Paris. The commercial project, dubbed BLACK, will provide about 530,000 sq ft of office space, accommodating up to 4,100 people. Built on a former industrial site, the project aims to become one of France’s largest low-carbon buildings. The project is targeting multiple certifications, including HQE New – Outstanding Level, BREEAM Excellent, BBCA, E+/C- Level E1/C1, Biosourced Building Label, BiodiverCity, Osmoz, R2S and Wiredscore. As part of its goal to enhance the city’s urban redevelopment, two gardens—spanning more than 100,000 sq ft combined—aim to create “urban cool islands,” according to Eiffage. The 26-month project is expected to deliver in late 2023 with an estimated 300,000 work hours. It will require the use of five cranes. The six-story project plus basement level comprises two separate structures, including a 340,000-sq-ft “garden” building and a 190,000-sq-ft “courtyard” building. The facility will feature an auditorium, concierge service and three commercial properties. The project, which was designed by Emmanuel Combarel Dominique Marrec Architectes, was in redesign for nearly a year to accommodate increased demand for remote work. First-floor offices will be 100% reconfigurable into meeting rooms. Large collaborative spaces will be developed on the upper levels. The project will feature industrial pre-walls, metal substructure and a facade with stabilized timber cladding.