Timber design for Danone research
The new research and innovation centre built for Danone to the southwest of Paris, called the In’Cube, is an example of timber hybrid construction at its finest. Instead of banishing research behind closed doors, there is a focus on transparency.
Back in 2002, Danone advertised as being “Part of growing up”. Just slightly later in 2009, the company was “Celebrating 90 years of research into health”. Then in 2017, the global food corporation adopted the tagline “One planet. One health.”, which has remained ever since. This more recent marketing development is now reflected in the architecture chosen by Danone as well. Their new research hub – the In’Cube Danone Research & Innovation Centre – is situated at Plateau de Saclay, which is also called Europe’s Silicon Valley. In keeping with the company’s signature line, it has been largely constructed out of timber, as a climate-friendly building material.
Village square inside
The heart of this five-storey building, located 20 kilometres to the south of Paris, is a 900-m² atrium that has a height of 10.5 metres and provides ample space for mulling over new concepts. As a kind of creative nucleus, new dairy products are developed here for tomorrow’s food shelves. Vertical window bands in a sawtooth roof flood this indoor plaza with daylight. The scientific labs, workshops and coworking spaces grouped around this “courtyard” therefore benefit from ample natural light on two sides.
The atrium takes up the codes of a village square, which punctuates the life of the community around different events.
Arte Charpentier, architectural studio
It is here that research scientists cross paths in their characteristic white coats and protective headwear, and also where staff meet up for an informal chat or to listen to presentations. The right environment is achieved by an auditorium with stepped seating, lounge areas in basket-weaved pavilions and a café. In a description of this area, the architectural studio responsible for planning and building supervision of In’Cube, Arte Charpentier, remarks: “The atrium takes up the codes of a village square, which punctuates the life of the community around different events.”
A showcase for research
Staircases project into the huge space, linking up the individual storeys and creating communication between those who walk up and down. The timber construction that sits atop a two-storey reinforced concrete base can be viewed in the atrium with its visible columns and roof support structure. Despite its size, the atrium feels cosy and comfortable due to its natural wooden surfaces.
The architecture of the centre provides transparency and allows the whole industrial process, the micro-factory, and the activities that take place there to be discovered.
Arte Charpentier, architectural studio
The walls of the offices are largely glazed and line the edges of the atrium like U-shaped panelling. Allowing a clear view of working life on the different storeys, they create the transparency that is encountered throughout the whole building. Here, the former practice of banishing research behind closed doors is set aside in favour of a kind of oversized showcase. The architects explain the concept behind this modern research building: “The architecture of the centre provides transparency and allows the whole industrial process, the micro-factory, and the activities that take place there to be discovered.”
Climate-friendly research
Built with timber from the second storey upwards, this construction method enabled a major reduction in CO2 during building of the new research centre as it also acts as a carbon sink. Renewable energies allow this to continue during operation of the building as well: these include geothermal energy for heating and cooling, photovoltaics for generating power, and the efficient use of rainwater in retention basins.
The aim was to design a harmonious whole, one that is good to live in for the well-being of employees, and one that is good for the planet as part of a virtuous decarbonization process.
Abbès Tahir, partner at Arte Charpentier
Special attention was paid to rainwater management and vegetation on the grounds. Planted areas covering a total of 2,900 m² were created during the renewal, including the extensively greened roof. The aim is not just to allow the building to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, but also to enable water to collect in the event of heavy rainfall.
Resting in the rain garden
A separate rainwater storage garden outside In’Cube is even equipped with retention basins that fill when it rains heavily. The architects explain that this climate-adaptive design is intended to breathe life into the garden throughout the year and also help to avoid heat islands in the summer through evapotranspiration of the planted areas. And last but not least, the staff are able to reap the benefits of this outdoor recreational space.
Architect Abbès Tahir from Arte Charpentier comments on the sustainability concept: “Danone is a company with a mission that has committed to ‘One planet. One health.’, and so you need to find answers that are equal to this challenge. The aim was to design a harmonious whole, one that is good to live in for the well-being of employees, and one that is good for the planet as part of a virtuous decarbonization process.”
Text: Gertraud Gerst
Translation: Rosemary Bridger-Lippe
Photos: Christophe Valtin