Head Office AGC Glass Europe

The dual requirement of compactness - for the energy performance - and openness - for the visual comfort and well-being in the workplace - resulted in the division of the plan into four wings, arranged around large exterior patios enlivened by the wind, rain and sun. Hidden under the offices and following the natural gentle slope (1,5-2,5%), the parking area is discreetly positioned on the ground level, preserving the natural landscape which is covered with a composition of closely mown lawns, meadows of flowers and a scattering of fine oaks. Crosswise to the office wings, a gallery provides the main passage for everyone in the building, converging all the provided services at this focal point. The pedestrian and automobile pathways enter from the opposite ends of the site but join together south of the building where the glazed entrance hall welcomes staff and visitors. The generous size of the gallery & 83,7 m long, 13,5 m wide and 10 m high & makes it an ideal venue for various events such as informal employee meetings, launch parties for the latest glass products, conferences on the built-in tiered seats at the foot of the great reception desk and various external events. The gallery provides access to all the key areas in the building: the reception desk and the associated services, the restaurant with its terraces to the west, the conference center and the entrance to each of the eight access controlled office wings. Consistent with the environmental approach preferring stairs to elevators, the new head office is spread over only two levels.

The floor deck covers 10,500 m² for 475 members of staff. Given the flexibility of the departmental organization at AGC, the interior design is elaborated to keep up with the changes through openplan areas, closed offices or separate wings if necessary. The same flexibility applies to meeting areas and restaurants where the space may be divided up by using movable acoustic partition walls. 84% of the workstations are positioned less than 4 m from the walls, 95% enjoy an unobstructed outside view and 100% of the meeting rooms have both of these features. The peripheral glass facades are equipped with glass sun shades automatically turning towards the sun. Their surface has been treated and printed with alternate bands of white making partial light transmission possible and allowing the passage of a diffused natural light. All the other openings are equipped with removable blinds made of bamboo wood. The coating of the lightweight, wellinsulated opaque spandrel glass maximizes the heat reflection through glass panels etched on the outside and enameled on the inside.

In terms of energy performance, the aim was to achieve the zero-energy level by using energy saving methods (natural light, insulation, etc.), efficient materials (regulation, energy saving circulation pumps, etc.) and relying on renewable energy resources (photovoltaic panels, ground probes, heat pumps, etc.). It is certified as Excellent by BREEAM. Upstairs levels = 12.139 m² Parking space on ground level = 6.152 m² Underground level = 1.463 m² Landscape = 22.943 m²