Concept
The Parfums Christian Dior estate, situated at the edge of a vast woodland at St Jean de Braye, near to Orléans, is the site of the new cosmetics research and development centre ‘Hélios’, for the LVMH group. With 18000m² of floor space, it is one of the main research centres in France. The 250 researchers who work there devote their time entirely to research, creation and innovation.
The main facade is clad in screen-printed glass to blend in harmoniously with the wooded surroundings, and the reduced height of the building lessens its visual impact. Tree planting has created wooded areas to enhance views from approach roads.
Program
The laboratories and offices are arranged in wings, arranged on three sides of an equilateral triangle, around a central area called the ‘living zone’. This area, which formed the basis of the original concept, plays an important role in the internal functioning of the Centre.
The triangular form of the building allows a distinction to be made between different departments of the building, whilst giving them equal importance in terms of the overall layout. In consequence, a non-hierarchical spatial relationship is created between the laboratories and the ‘living zone’.
Three main buildings make up the three sides of the equilateral triangle, and three corner buildings form the three points. This unusual triangular shape enables visual distinction between the various entities, while ensuring equal positions for each of them. This coherent, harmonious use of space refutes any notion of hierarchy in relations between the various laboratories and with the “living zone”.
The laboratories and offices are arranged in wings, arranged on three sides of an equilateral triangle, around a central area called the ‘living zone’. This area, which formed the basis of the original concept, plays an important role in the internal functioning of the Centre.
The triangular form of the building allows a distinction to be made between different departments of the building, whilst giving them equal importance in terms of the overall layout. In consequence, a non-hierarchical spatial relationship is created between the laboratories and the ‘living zone’.
Three main buildings make up the three sides of the equilateral triangle, and three corner buildings form the three points. This unusual triangular shape enables visual distinction between the various entities, while ensuring equal positions for each of them. This coherent, harmonious use of space refutes any notion of hierarchy in relations between the various laboratories and with the “living zone”.
Team
Project owner
– Project owner: LVMH Recherche
– Project owner assistant: AOS Studley
– HQE consultant: Artelia
– Process consultant: Artelia
– Inspection: Véritas
– Health and safety coordination: Véritas
– User: LVMH
Project management
– Design-Construction group
– Prime contractor: Eiffage Construction Centre (ECC)
– Architect: Arte Charpentier Architectes
Technical design office
– Structures: ESBAT
– Fluids: BEFL
– Electricity: GT2e
– Facades: Goyer
– Acoustics: Aïda Acoustique
– Economist: Simonneau
Project specifics
– Design-Construction contract group Eiffage Construction – Arte Charpentier Architectes
– Project address: 185 avenue de Verdun
– Post code: 45 800
– City: Saint Jean de Braye
– Delivery: Février 2013
– Project programme: research laboratories and associated offices, conference room (forum for 180 people), living zone, relaxation hall, internal exhibition area
– Specific services: pilot laboratory, formulation, ethnobotany, chemistry, biology and microscopy
– Total surface area: 17,800 sqm NIA
– Program surface area: 11,750 sqm NIA
– Perspectives: Umlaut
– Environmental certification: HQE
– Inflatable atrium in Texlon ETFE foil
– ATEX regulation protected area (Solvents & Powders)
