French Embassy in China – Bioclimatic Facade

The project, a light steel structure and a golden glass veil, regulates naturally the temperature differentials between the offices of the 20.000 m² diplomatic complex and the outside atmosphere. For this elegant bioclimatic façade, Nicolas Godelet and Bernard Viry work on the structural design of the bearing steel mesh, the glass planes with their complex geometry and the design of the fastening systems, from conception to construction process.

The welded tubular structure is conceived with a plastic aesthetic in order to obtain smooth continuous surfaces and so avoid resin corrections. Stainless steel clamps are designed to support the curved geometry of the glass, and allow the independent replacement of glass parts. The transparent glass “bubble” is suspended by factory-preinstalled inserts, a technique that requires high precision and quality of manufacture for curved parts (pvb thickness, vacuum mounting of glass panels etc).

The whole curtain opens in high and low parts thanks to ventilation blades linked to a trio of thermal sensors. Temperature differentials govern the opening angle and ventilation rate of the system in summer and mid-season and its complete closing in winter, acting as an insulating buffer.

Copyright for facade images: Noelle HOEPPE