Well-being and environment
The wooden and glass setting that reinvents the sustainable office in La Défense
Wood innovation in business district
Ecology at the heart of the building
Work reinvented, well-being amplified

We wanted to provide the building with a majestic entrance bathed in light, open towards La Défense. Aware of the expectations of users who increasingly see their workplace as a space for exchanges, we also imagined a double-height hall designed to be the nerve center of Inspire, a place for meetings and conviviality.

What makes the Inspire project a program of inspiring scope?
The Inspire project is an ambitious real estate program located in La Défense, one of Europe's most iconic business districts. Its contemporary architecture and innovative features make it an ambitious 22,300 m2 project in this urban landscape. The composition of the facades, with a 2,600 m2 commercial base on the ground floor and 19,700 m2 of office space spread over 7 floors, testifies to a sought-after functional and aesthetic approach. The main objective of the project is to create a dynamic workplace and living space, conducive to collaboration, innovation and the well-being of its occupants. To this end, Inspire integrates commercial spaces on the ground floor, offering a diversity of services and amenities for users and the neighborhood, revolving around a brasserie and a bakery. This diversification of uses helps to animate the public square and open up the predominantly tertiary building to neighborhood life. Moreover, Inspire also aims to be a revealing project in terms of sustainable development and respect for the environment. Certified according to several environmental standards, the project aims to achieve high energy and environmental performance, with ambitious targets for energy sobriety.
In addition, the project integrates an important landscape dimension, with the creation of green spaces on the forecourt, the addition of a 1,400 m2 green rooftop as well as 550 m2 of accessible terraces. This approach is part of a desire to promote biodiversity and improve the quality of life for residents and workers in La Défense. The presence of a majestic quadruple-height hall and an atrium at the heart of the building make it a nerve center and reinforces the desire to make this building a place of meeting and conviviality. The construction of this atrium at the heart of Inspire makes this place a village square allowing users and the various functions present to come together. The desire to create a monumental entrance is Inspire's signature, allowing it to assert its presence from the outside of the project. The Inspire project stands out for its differentiation both architecturally and in terms of sustainable development. Its objective is to create a dynamic workplace and living space, while respecting a model of environmental sustainability.
How does Inspire integrate a sustainable dimension in its design and operation?

The Inspire building stands out for its commitment to sustainable development, embodied both in its unique design and the use of ecological materials. Its wooden frame, sourced from eco-managed forests, has thermal, hygrometric and acoustic properties that reduce the building's carbon impact. This initiative demonstrates the project's commitment to reducing carbon footprint and allows it to meet the latest regulatory standards, particularly with regard to the wood construction doctrine. Inspire embodies an innovative approach to urban architecture, combining aesthetics and functionality while respecting the strictest environmental standards. Its wooden structure, bioclimatic design and orientation towards demanding environmental certifications make it an example of sustainable development. Moreover, its integration of smart and connected technologies (Smart Building) allows for optimized operation and predictive maintenance of the building.
A significant part of Inspire's environmental approach lies in the optimization of its energy performance. The facades are designed to improve the building's thermal efficiency and solar gain management, with anodized aluminum joinery equipped with automated external blinds on the most exposed facades. The automation of systems also allows for maximizing energy efficiency while ensuring occupant comfort. In addition, connection to various urban heating and cooling networks allows for energy optimization of the building. In line with a sustainable approach and meticulous carbon management, Inspire's structure is made from low-carbon concrete where a dozen different concrete mixes are present and allow for carbon optimization of the project.
The materials chosen for the facades of the Inspire building are selected based on their durability and contribution to the building's performance. Several environmental certifications are targeted, including HQE - Excellent Level, BREEAM - Excellent Level, Wiredscore - Silver Level, Label E + C - E2C1 Level, Biodiversity - ABCC Level, Ready to OSMOZ and Ready2Services. The entire project is designed with a perspective of continuous improvement of the building's performance. Particular attention is paid to the technical connectivity of the building and the quality of its green spaces which contribute to its integration into the urban fabric.

How does nature perfectly integrate into the surrounding urban fabric of the building?
The Inspire project remarkably integrates nature into its architectural design, thus offering a deep and enriching link with the surrounding natural environment.

This integration of nature into the built space is manifested at several levels, making it an example of differentiation and symbiosis between urban architecture and nature. The landscape design focuses on three specific areas: the forecourt bordering Arago Street extending with a private full-earth garden, the terrace at the RIE (Inter-Company Restaurant) level on the first floor, the biodiversity terraces on the second level, and the large roof terrace developed as a green space. These spaces are designed to offer places for relaxation, conviviality and direct contact with nature, while respecting local ecological balances. Moreover, its heavily vegetated roof will mask all the building's technical equipment. Indeed, Inspire's north facade will feature a stepped steel structure with wooden cladding and recessed planters to conceal and preserve the technical rooms, transforming them into true green pyramids. A large part of the vegetation will also be present inside the building. Many spaces will be fitted with wooden cladding, as well as natural wood laminate coverings.
More articlesMore articlesThanks to a largely glazed structure, the building offers its users a panoramic view of the surrounding natural elements, such as the gardens of neighboring residences, the vegetated forecourt or the accessible green terraces. This transparency creates a direct visual connection with nature, allowing its occupants to feel immersed in a natural environment while being inside the building. The terraces, the forecourt and other outdoor spaces are landscaped with endemic and non-allergenic plants from the Paris region. This initiative promotes the preservation of local biodiversity while ensuring harmonious integration into the urban ecosystem. An approach that also helps strengthen the resilience of natural environments in the face of current environmental challenges. The layout of this complex allows for a dynamic and diffuse integration of natural light. The facades are designed to offer multiple orientations, thus allowing continuous diffusion of sunlight. Moreover, the construction of Inspire's central atrium acts as a light well, offering its occupants a natural lighting source. The biomorphic aspect of the project, with its curved and flexible forms, reinforces this integration with nature. The green roof terrace based on a sedum-herbaceous matrix will enrich the ecological intent of the project. This initiative allows occupants to have access to outdoor relaxation and contemplation spaces. The omnipresent use of natural materials such as wood and stone thus creates a warm and authentic atmosphere inside the building and promotes urban biodiversity.

How is Inspire an innovative building through its architectural approach?
Inspire emerges as a model of architectural innovation, based on a holistic and forward-looking approach. Its innovative architecture unfolds through several essential dimensions, making this building much more than a simple construction. This new architectural complex integrates remarkably into the surrounding urban fabric of La Défense. Its facades are meticulously designed to blend harmoniously with neighboring structures, while maintaining a strong and distinct visual identity through its wooden frame. This contextual integration ensures a smooth transition between Inspire and its immediate environment, thus contributing to the dynamic aesthetics and urban cohesion of the neighborhood.
Inspire's functional design demonstrates a thorough reflection on the use of space. Each architectural element is designed according to its specific functionality, thus optimizing the efficiency and practicality of both interior and exterior spaces. From the commercial base to the office floors, each area is carefully organized to meet the diverse needs of its users, thus offering them an exceptional experience. Moreover, the monumental staircase placed at the heart of the atrium is a strong signature of the building, accompanied by its bird's nests, work bubbles projected into the void of the atrium. Inspire also stands out for its remarkable environmental performance. The building's facades are designed to maximize energy efficiency and thermal comfort, while promoting the use of natural light. Certified by numerous environmental standards, Inspire demonstrates a deep commitment to sustainability and environmental preservation, thus engaging in a responsible construction approach that respects its ecological impact.
The high standards in the choice of materials give Inspire a distinctive architectural identity. From double-glazed solar control panels to anodized aluminum joinery, natural stone floor coverings and a wooden frame from eco-managed forests, each material is carefully selected for its aesthetic and functional properties. This judicious use of high-performance materials testifies to Inspire's commitment to architectural excellence and construction quality. This urban architectural renovation embodies a desire for differentiation through its architectural choices, combining aesthetics, functionality and sustainability. Its integrated and intelligent approach makes it a project where the search for distinction is omnipresent. The objective is to know how to respond to contemporary challenges while anticipating the future needs of its occupants and its environment.