WOOD’UP (B1A3) - ZAC Paris Rive Gauche

City : Paris
Contracting authority : REI Habitat, Semapa
Architects : LAN Architecture
Team : LAN Architecte / Elioth
Surface area : 8000 m² floor space
Phases : Studies : 2022 – 2023 / Construction : 2023 – 2024

The project is a 17-floor student accommodation building with a structure made entirely of wood, situated on the banks of the river Seine and close to the Boulevard Périphérique.

On this project, the aspect of ‘demonstrating wood’ has been respected to the letter: wood can be found and is visible everywhere. The position of the structure, built as an exoskeleton, requires the careful management of structural systems and junctions between interior and exterior; the design of the envelope must therefore deliver a required acoustic and energy performance which is achieved through the permanent dialogue between our three areas of expertise: Structure, Facade and Environment.

The project objectives are multiple :Design of a hybrid structure primarily in timber

Design of a hybrid structure primarily in timber
Achieve exemplary low-carbon performance
Ensure high energy efficiency and fire protection
Large glazed openings integrated with the hybrid structure, consistent with the architectural design

Expertise deployed

structure.

Differential settlements between the various materials and construction systems can have significant impacts on the performance of sliding joinery, façade watertightness, and floor finishes. The structure and assembly details were therefore designed taking into account static deformations, hygrometric variations, and creep between different materials.

The exposed interior timber frame provides a fire resistance of 90 minutes. On-site tests and inspections were conducted to verify the strength of the timber framing elements and their connections.

The specific level at the 8th floorfeatures a communal space with a panoramic view, made possible by transferring loads through monumental steel truss beams integrated into the height of the 9th floor.

To reduce the carbon footprint of the structure and promote prefabrication, the typical residential floor slabs are constructed as timber‑concrete (BB) slabs, which optimize the volume of concrete used and allow the integration of bio-based materials. The podium floors, on the other hand, are made of large-span prestressed hollow-core slabs to minimize the number of columns in the ERP (public access) zone.

facade.

1. 1. 1. 1. Fire protection for exterior timber posts

Large glazed openings over significant differential settling of the structure

To maximize the integration of timber materials into the primary structure, a hybrid construction combining concrete and steel was required.

Due to the distinct mechanical properties of these materials, significant differential settlement occurred at the openings, particularly the large glazed windows.

To address this challenge and ensure a perfectly level support, essential for installing a lift-and-slide acoustic joinery system, a precast frame solution was implemented.

This precast frame is rigid and features only a single fixation point. This specific design absorbs structural movements while ensuring smooth operation and optimal performance of the sliding system.

environment.

Extensive studies (carbon assessment, dynamic thermal simulation, daylight analysis) enabled the design of an exemplary project. Summer comfort will be naturally ensured through the use of air circulators.

The carbon assessment was used as a decision-making tool throughout the design process to ensure compliance with BBCA standards.

© LAN Architectes

The structure is made of Glulam for the posts and beams, and BB slabs for the floors. The columns are made of beech wood. This project asserts it singularity and modernity by displaying its wood facade, and promises long-term durability thanks to an unprecedented encapsulation technique.