A new Paris La Défense wooden office complex is the latest innovative project in our city, sure to be of interest to 56Paris blog readers.
But the Arboretum, inaugurated by President Macron himself, isn’t just a new business complex.
Almost completely made of wood, it’s also a pioneering ‘green’ development that mixes sustainability with modern office needs.
The largest wooden office complex in Europe
Nestled in the Nanterre section of La Défense, the business district of Paris just adjacent to the city, the Arboretum replaces an old brownfield site, formerly an old paper mill.
Instead of the usual concrete and steel, this office complex has a revolutionary structure – one built primarily from spruce.
It’s now the largest wooden office complex in all of Europe. And its recent inauguration by the French President shows just how important this project is.
Made up of five primary buildings, each named after trees – Almond, Biloba, Cedar, Douglas and Spruce – the complex spans over 125,000 m² (1,345,500 sq.ft.).
That’s large enough to accommodate thousands of workers more sustainably, in a way that challenges conventional corporate real estate norms.
A trailblazing eco-development
These are the latest wooden buildings constructed in Paris – we reported on some of the others in this earlier blog.
The Arboretum cost €560 million, taking four years to complete under the supervision of architects Laisné-Roussel and François Leclercq.
Utilizing over 33,000 cubic meters of wood throughout, it’s a low-carbon solution that will use half of the emissions over its lifetime compared to a traditional office.
But it’s not just the wooden construction helping to lower the carbon footprint.
Day-to-day, the new offices benefit from a greener cooling and heating system, using geothermal wells drilled deep underground. These are super-efficient, reducing energy consumption by a staggering 3.5 times compared to the average office building.
That also means lower running costs for the businesses moving in – a win-win.
Beyond green credentials
So, what will it actually be like to work at the Paris La Défense wooden office complex?
According to the developers, it creates “a new link between nature and the workplace.”
Surrounded by a six-hectare (15 acre) park with over 1,000 trees and shrubs, the area is like a small forest in the bustle of the city. To let in as much natural light as possible, the buildings have high ceilings and plenty of open space, helping to improve the workers’ wellbeing.
Nature is never too far away, and during breaks, workers can walk through the green spaces including a planted canal and an arboretum walkway. With the adjoining Chemin-de-l’Ile park, the offices are close to more gardens, with direct access to the banks of the Seine.
Another exciting feature workers can enjoy is the vegetable garden and orchard. Growing an estimated 10 tons of fruit and produce each year without pesticides, it’s used in two restaurants – the Belvédère, a brasserie at the entrance to the campus, and the Locavore, set near the Fabrique de la Connaissance.
Finally, there are also amenities such as gyms and a climbing club on site, to further promote health and wellbeing. Cycling to work is also encouraged, with parking for bikes and scooters at the foot of each building.
The Paris La Défense wooden office complex is leading the way
Taking place a few weeks ago, the inauguration by President Macron has placed a spotlight on this amazing new green complex. It demonstrates Paris’ ongoing commitment to making the city more sustainable, while still focusing on historic preservation of its unique architectural heritage.
With its location just 15 minutes from the Place de l’Étoile and excellent transport links, the Arboretum is a high-value asset in this key area of Paris.
The significance of this groundbreaking project extends far beyond its appeal asan architectural wonder – and it does look striking!
It also shows a possible future of how business districts in the rest of the world can adapt to both environmental concerns and the evolving demands of a post-pandemic workforce.
But Paris certainly leads the way, creating a new, modern way to work in the city. One that’s better for the individual, and the planet.
We have recently listed this newly renovated apartment in neighboring Courbevoie, 10 minutes from La Défense by public transportation. The sunny two-bedroom in a charming1930s building with elevator lies on a quiet street.
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