Client: L'Oréal Group
Architect: Moatti & Rivière
Façade Consultant: RFR Structure et Enveloppe
Façade Contractor: Bellapart
In the heart of Paris, within the confines of the historic 18th century L'Oréal headquarters, at 14 Rue Royale, a beacon of architectural brilliance has emerged, renamed 'Le Visionnaire' - Espace Françoie Dalle.
This achievement represents a pinnacle of façade engineering and architectural brilliance. Completed in September 2023, the project showcases Bellapart’s expertise in combining cutting-edge technology, sustainability, and precision craftsmanship.
Photo Credit Michel Denance
The scope and vision
The project features a bespoke 25-meter-high glass façade, rising to an impressive width of 9.0x12.8 meters, with a lamella-type meshed conical tower topped by a spherical dome. Spanning 465 m², this striking structure blends harmoniously with its surroundings while making a bold, reflective statement. Transitioning smoothly from a cylindrical base to a toroidal top, the design achieves continuous reflective curvature—a feat realized through Bellapart’s precision engineering and advanced glass-bending techniques, including 3D curved profiles and double-curved glass panels. The architect’s visionary design aimed to make the façade appear as if it were made of a single, uninterrupted pane of glass. This innovative approach pushed engineering to its limits, delivering a masterpiece in the world of façade design and architecture.
Innovative methods and precision engineering
The project exemplifies Bellapart’s commitment to pushing technological boundaries, seamlessly integrating every stage of this ambitious endeavor—from early stages, working on its detailing and engineering, to prototyping, testing, fabrication, and site installation. Central to its success was the use of parametric 3D modeling, which allowed the team to optimize over 800 unique elements, each custom-designed to meet the demands of the complex geometry. Cutting-edge tools such as Rhino and Grasshopper streamlined the iterative process, enabling rapid adjustments and ensuring flawless reflective continuity across the façade. Bellapart utilized FMEA (Failure Mode and Effects Analysis) to ensure quality control, preventing errors and optimizing production.
Photo Credit Michel Denance
To achieve the required precision, the components were fabricated using 5-axis CNC machining, which ensured tight tolerances for the intricate elements. This meticulous approach was complemented by pre-assembly and 3D scanning, which helped identify and resolve potential issues before the components arrived on-site. These proactive measures significantly reduced labor, minimized errors, and improved overall efficiency during installation.
Pre-assembly of structural arches verified tight tolerances, while minimized welding reduced thermal deformations. This meticulous approach streamlined the installation process, avoiding delays and ensuring the structure adhered to the highest standards.
Photo Credit Florence Joubert
Furthermore, the use of a pioneering hot-bending process enabled the creation of double-curved, heat-strengthened glass panels. These panels not only maintain their elegant curvature but also incorporate advanced solar-control coatings and thermal insulation, demonstrating an ideal blend of aesthetics and functionality. These innovative methods preserved the architect’s vision while setting new technological benchmarks, reinforcing Bellapart’s role as a leader in façade design and engineering.
High-performance tools predicted thermal and visual outcomes, ensuring sustainable and efficient design. The façade incorporates digital frit patterns, strategically designed based on solar studies to minimize solar gain, enhance thermal comfort, and reduce the need for artificial lighting.
Photo Credit Michel Denance
Performance and testing
Rigorous testing confirmed the façade’s robustness. A full-scale dome prototype passed an impact test with 1200J energy, while water-tightness trials achieved a Class R7 classification under UNE-EN 12155:2000 standards. On-site water-tightness tests further validated the design’s resilience and durability, ensuring the structure met the highest safety and performance standards.
Pioneering innovation in façade engineering
This project set new standards in façade engineering, with first-of-its-kind applications of spherical glass bending and tempering in France. By combining meticulous research, advanced tools, and rigorous testing, Bellapart transformed ambitious designs into reality, inspiring the next generation of engineering solutions.
Photo Credit Florence Joubert