In the heart of the northern French metropolis of Lille, the Emblem project makes a strong architectural statement: the striking mixed-use complex combines contemporary luxury, elegance and sustainable construction in a clear design vision. With 17 residential floors and nine office floors, the building redefines urban living and working environments and exemplifies how innovative solutions from Saint-Gobain Glass and Swisspacer Saint-Gobain can make a significant contribution to the architectural quality and energy efficiency of modern buildings.
Even at first glance, the façade defines the appearance of the Emblem and ensures a strong presence in Lille’s cityscape. At the same time, it plays a central functional role: it regulates light, heat and energy and is an essential component of the project’s overall sustainable concept. The construction method and façade solutions were key factors in the project achieving the prestigious BREEAM certification with an ‘Excellent’ rating.
“The project was developed in a spirit of constant dialogue between all partners. It meets the original objectives in terms of image, comfort and performance, whilst emphasising its strong identity within the urban context. The complexity of the architectural, technical and environmental challenges required close, cross-disciplinary collaboration. This collective intelligence made it possible to refine the decisions, particularly regarding the façade, and to ensure coherence between architectural intent and implementation,” explains Gaëlle Hamonic, co-founder of the architectural firm HAMONIC + MASSON & ASSOCIÉS and architect of the Emblem project.
Architectural and Location Excellence
Architecturally, the building captivates with its elegant, gently curved design language, which exudes dynamism and lightness. The carefully designed, fully glazed curved façades of offer unique views of Parc Matisse and Lille’s old town, whilst spacious terraces and a landscaped outdoor patio complete the luxurious working and living environment. Emblem exudes bold elegance and is designed to become an indispensable landmark in the capital of the Hauts-de-France region.
The architects at HAMONIC + MASSON & ASSOCIÉS designed the building with the aim of creating a connecting element between the city, nature and its use: “With its curved lines and the outdoor spaces of each apartment, the building nestles into the site and becomes a landscape within the landscape. As a true manifesto of the joy of living, it makes ‘desirability’ visible – and with it the drive to commit to urban living,” says Hamonic.
One of the greatest challenges was finding the right balance between architectural expression and environmental performance. The generous glass façades, which are crucial to the quality of the spaces and the relationship with the urban landscape, had to meet high thermal requirements. Work on the building envelope was therefore particularly demanding and defining for the project.
The façade: a symbiosis of elegance and efficiency
To meet these high design and technical requirements, high-performance glazing solutions from Saint-Gobain Glass were chosen. “The collaboration with Saint-Gobain arose quite naturally from the challenges of the project. Even in the early design phases, it became clear that the façade would be a defining element, both architecturally and in terms of urban planning and ecology. In this context, it seemed essential to us to surround ourselves with partners capable of engaging with the project, understanding its intentions and contributing technical expertise that aligns with our approach,” says Hamonic.
Among other things, the highly selective solar control glass COOL-LITE® XTREME 70/33 was used, which was developed specifically for demanding façade concepts. With a light transmission of 70 per cent, the glass ensures bright, light-filled interiors and a high level of visual comfort. The result is pleasant room temperatures throughout the year as well as a noticeably lower energy consumption.
This high energy performance was complemented using COOL-LITE® ST BRIGHT SILVER. This solar control glazing impresses not only with its functional properties but also with its outstanding aesthetics on the façade, featuring a reflective, bright silver surface that lends the façade a contemporary and high-quality appearance. Thus, the façade becomes not only an energy-efficient envelope but also an architectural design element that underscores the exclusive character of the Emblem.
The fact that sustainability has been considered down to the very last detail is also evident in the choice of spacer bars: Swisspacer Ultimate ensures impressively low thermal conductivity at the edge of the insulating glass and, according to internationally recognised guidelines, ranks among the best warm edge spacer bars in the world. This enables low Uwvalues for windows and façades, accompanied by corresponding energy and CO2 savings. The warm edge prevents condensation and reduces the risk of mould, thereby contributing to significantly improved living comfort. EPD and FDES documents also provide transparent data on the environmental impact of Swisspacer Ultimate.
Gaëlle Hamonic also confirmed this in her choice: “The decision to use Saint-Gobain products was part of a comprehensive assessment of the quality of the building envelope. The thermal properties, combined with the Swisspacer spacer bars, made it possible to achieve a high level of energy efficiency without compromising on the transparency and slim profile of the façades. The products blended seamlessly into the architectural design of the project, which was a key consideration for us.”
Sustainability is a top priority
Thanks in part to the intelligent combination of various Saint-Gobain solutions, the building meets the highest standards of energy efficiency, comfort and design. This is also reflected in the ‘Excellent’ BREEAM certification achieved – an internationally recognised standard for sustainable building performance that takes into account not only environmental and energy aspects but also health and wellbeing criteria such as daylight and indoor climate. Saint-Gobain’s glazing makes a significant contribution here by reducing energy consumption, thereby lowering the carbon footprint, whilst offering durable, low-maintenance façade solutions.
“Sustainability was viewed as an integral part of the project rather than an additional objective. It runs like a common thread through all decisions, from the design of the building envelope and user comfort to the durability of the materials. The energy efficiency achieved, particularly thanks to the glass façade, reflects the desire to design responsible, sustainable buildings adapted to the region,” explains Hamonic.
The project thus exemplifies Saint-Gobain’s role as a partner for the construction industry of the future, where design, comfort and environmental and urban planning responsibilities blend harmoniously.
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