Saint-Gobain Research Paris
The Challenge
In an era where innovation and sustainability are essential, Saint-Gobain wanted to expand one of its main research centers. Opened on January 30, 2025, the extension to Saint-Gobain Research Paris, located in Aubervilliers, was designed to create an inspiring work environment that also meets the Group’s sustainable development goals. The challenge was to comply with strict environmental standards while incorporating state-of-the-art technologies into a 6,000 m² space that houses research laboratories and offices, meeting and conference rooms, a company restaurant as well as the Agora, an area for relaxing and interacting.
The Solution
Named Travée 21, the new building was designed as a natural extension of the historic Saint-Gobain Research site, which already had 20,000 m² of space. It showcases some 100 innovative solutions from 16 of the Group’s brands.
At the heart of this new block is the Agora, a vast space for meeting, unwinding and collaborating. Designed to encourage informal interaction, the Agora offers different environments: sofas and coffee tables, stools and high tables, as well as a conference area with bleachers for seating. It also opens onto an inviting terrace where employees can eat lunch, sip a coffee, or work outdoors while enjoying a direct view of the old building.
This central space features a huge south-facing curtain wall glazed with SageGlass, which provides perfect solar gain control for this very open architecture. The upper part of the curtain wall is equipped with SageGlass Classic glazing that tints completely, while the lower section uses SageGlass Harmony®, whose gradient tint guarantees optimal visual comfort and a more natural color reproduction.
With its ability to automatically tint or clear depending on weather conditions — or on demand via custom settings accessible from the app — SageGlass ensures optimal light and thermal comfort at all times. As a result, occupants enjoy a pleasant and controlled environment, whatever the weather.
The Benefits
The unveiling of Travée 21 further demonstrates Saint-Gobain’s commitment to sustainable construction practices. The building meets stringent environmental standards and certifications such as HQE (Excellent level), cementing Saint-Gobain’s position as a leader in sustainable innovation.
With its modern laboratories and collaborative workspaces, Travée 21 offers an ideal setting for research and development into solutions that meet the challenges of sustainable building. In addition, the use of SageGlass helps to create a pleasant working environment that is conducive to concentration and creativity.