01
02
03
04
05
01 / 05

Free Headquarter

Headquarters of telephone operator with offices and showroom.

Housing the headquarters of Free Réunion, the building is located at the intersection of two busy streets, in the heart of the Saint-Denis Technopole. Covering an area of over 2,000 m², it brings together various functions: offices, a technical and logistics center, as well as a showroom.

Its bold envelope serves as a strong visual statement while integrating respectfully into its surroundings. The goal is to create a high-performance, comfortable work environment adapted to local constraints. The building’s architecture blends naturally into the landscape, taking into account the site’s specific topography. Its form unfolds in horizontal layers that adapt to the slope of the terrain, offering great modularity.

The ground floor and first floor are embedded into the slope, while landscaped embankments complete the integration, creating a smooth transition with the natural environment. Architectural elements such as the showroom’s staging, the metallic façade skin, and the sliding layers are based on flexible principles that define the unique expression of this headquarters, combining functionality, durability, and aesthetics.

Client : SEPIA

Location : Saint-Denis, La Réunion, France

Size : 2 000 m²

Status : Delivered

Date : 2022

Key points

  • Scalability and flexibility.
  • Complex topography.
  • Bioclimatic design.

Environmental perfomances

  • RTAA DOM.
  • High-performance insulation for opaque walls.
  • Solar-control double glazing.
  • Photovoltaic solar panels on the roof.
  • Dual-flow ventilation with energy recovery.
  • Vegetated plot.

Bioclimatic quality and the genius of the place.

The ground floor and first floor are embedded into the slope, and planted embankments contribute to the building’s integration. The flat roof, which is subject to significant thermal gains, is used for the installation of photovoltaic panels. These panels help generate the energy required for the building’s operation and also provide solar protection by acting as an additional roof layer. The landscaping around the building, combined with the aerothermal strategy, ensures that users enjoy comfort for most of the year. Vegetated islands also play an important role in the sustainable management of rainwater.

The office floors are surrounded by an external walkway, protected by a second openwork skin. Made up of vertical metal slats, this second skin provides shade for the façades. The through-plan layouts and generously sized windows promote natural ventilation within the spaces.

Team

Patriarche (Architecture, Interior Architecture, Landscape, Environmental Quality, BIM, Engineering, All Trades, Cost Management)
Partners:
Socotec, Geiser, Gecobat

 

Credits

Photos: ©Loris Gazut

Program

Offices

Photos of the construction site

Free Headquarter