​ Tower restoration in Paris's business district

The materials used in the original construction failed to endure the test of time. Years of wear and tear eroded the marble façade, which had seen better days. In the same way, the ageing interiors did not go unnoticed. The thermal insulation system was no longer adequate for such an exemplary structure, and the need for cutting-edge solutions was clear.
Finally, there was the rooftop, which was to be used as a venue for concerts and other events. It has been closed since 2010. A complete renovation was therefore necessary. The architects wished to build on the existing system by adding dark-tinted insulation to preserve the façade's architectural elements, which include large hollow cladding. The average thermal resistance of the new insulation system was aimed at 4.1 m² K/W.
In addition to aesthetics and thermal performance, the thickness of the complex insulation system was another concern. When EDM took apart the original cladding and insulation, the company quickly realised that cavity thickness was not a uniform 14 centimetres, as was initially estimated. Some areas varied from 12 to 14 centimetres. The most efficient glass wool on the market was used to ensure the target thermal performance would be met. And to meet the aesthetic requirements, a second layer of dark tinted glass wool was added.
In the end, 6,000 m² of insulation was installed, cutting annual energy consumption by two thirds, from 300 kWh/m² to 100 kWh/m². Two certifications are now on the horizon: "Haute Qualité Environnementale Rénovation bâtiments tertiaires" (High Quality Environmental Standard for Commercial Building Renovation) and "BBC Rénovation" (Low Consumption Building Renovation).