Security designed in
Fire protection and safety are key priorities in France’s extraordinary new Ministry of Defence
The Hexagone Balard, the new Paris HQ for the French military, is a building of superlatives.
It’s built over a sprawling 41-acre site, designed to accommodate over 9,000 personnel. . At its core is a hexagonal structure that reflects the shape of France.
Safety and security are integrated into the design of this massive, high-tech structure, which acts as the command-and- control centre for France’s army, navy and air force. Fire protection is bolstered by 16,000 m2 of 150mm ROCKFEU non-combustible insulation. Providing a superior fire rating, which can provide as much as two hours’ additional protection in the event of a fire in a large building, is crucial as it gives people time to evacuate a building. Over 50,000 m2 of ROCKFACADE insulated cladding offers even further protection, while enhancing the building’s appearance.
Stone wool insulation also contributes to another fundamental feature of the Hexagone Balard: energy efficiency. With its 4,000m2 solar roof, ground-source heat system and in particular the passive design features achieved through insulation and insulated cladding, the building has been designed to be almost self-sufficient in its use of natural resources, an extraordinary feat for a project on this scale.
Project location
1 Avenue de la Porte de Sèvres
75015 Paris
France
