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Renovation of the Nanterre Judicial Court

Energy renovation of the Nanterre Judicial Court.

Designed around fifty years ago by André Wogenscky, a long-time disciple and collaborator of Le Corbusier, the Nanterre Judicial Court embodies an iconic architectural style, characterized by clean lines and a strong identity. In light of recent regulatory changes, environmental challenges, and the growing needs of users, this landmark required an update as part of the national France Relance program, which supports the renovation of public buildings to meet contemporary standards.

The goal of this project is to place the Nanterre Judicial Court within a sustainable trajectory for the next 20 years, while respecting Wogenscky's original architectural intent and meeting current technical and functional expectations.

For the exterior façades, our intervention aims to be discreet and respectful, in order to preserve the visual coherence of the building and its integration within the administrative complex, which together form a unified whole. Every decision was guided by the desire to maintain a faithful interpretation of the structure while delivering significant improvements in terms of energy efficiency, environmental performance, comfort, and the quality of interior spaces.

Client : Ministry of Justice

Location : Nanterre, France

Size : 20 000 m²

Status : Delivered

Date : 2025

Key points

Wogenscky architecture.
Renovation.
Respect of the original lines.
User comfort.
Landscaped courtyard.
Construction work on an occupied site.

Environmental perfomances

Thermal insulation of façades and roofs.
Improved summer comfort.
Daylight autonomy.
Acoustic improvment.

Download the project sheet

A luxurious landscaped courtyard.

The landscaping project for the courtyard draws inspiration from the distinctive style of Roberto Burle Marx, a Brazilian painter and landscape architect renowned for introducing abstract art into garden design. His signature organic plant forms are reinterpreted here with straight lines, in harmony with the architecture of the courthouse.

The tropical vegetation arranged in clusters, a hallmark of his work, has been replaced by a palette suited to the local climate, promoting simplicity and sustainability. The planted areas, framed by contemporary lines, are surrounded by wooden pathways designed to facilitate maintenance.

Visible from offices, workspaces, and the main hall, this garden offers a calming and evolving landscape, enriching the daily experience of both occupants and visitors.

A true contemporary oasis, set within a smooth white envelope, designed to offer a pleasant environment and blend harmoniously into the overall building.

Façade renovation

An insulating envelope respectful of the original architecture

The façade renovation project aims to preserve the fundamental elements of the original architectural concept while meeting current thermal and energy performance standards. Our intervention is intended to be discreet, maintaining the building’s identity and its integration into the urban fabric.

Several key principles of the initial architecture have been carefully preserved:

- Bichromy: the combination of black and white, reflecting the interplay of void and solid, remains true to the original spirit.
- Volume composition: the recessed base at the ground and mezzanine levels retains its role as a visual support for the upper parallelepiped volume.
- Façade rhythm: the alternation of black and white bands, expressed through tinted glazing and recessed glass strips, remains unchanged.
- Façade flatness: the 8 cm offset between the enameled cladding panels and the exterior glazing is maintained to preserve the building’s smooth appearance.
- Modulor proportions: the proportions defined by Le Corbusier are respected as much as possible in the modifications made.
- Relationship with the Prefecture: the horizontal lines and color palette of the façades ensure continuity with the neighboring buildings.
- Façade materials: the detailing and arrangement of materials remain consistent with the original design.

Team

Léon Grosse (project lead)

Patriarche (Architecture, Engineering, Cost Management, Environmental Quality, BIM)

Partners

Credits

Program

Historic Monument

Offices

Rehabilitation

B’Twin Village

Condorcet