The Microsoft brand has always been synonymous with change and innovation – and that link often goes far beyond the world of computer technology.
Case in point: Microsoft France is headquartered at Paris’ EOS Generali building, which has garnered earned substantial environmental certifications.
The building, located in the city’s Issy-les-Moulineaux area, achieved both BREEAM (Building Research Establishment Environmental Assessment Methodology) In-Use and HQE (High Environmental Quality in Use) Exploitation® standards.
The project, jointly initiated by the owner, Generali Real Estate, and the main lessee, Microsoft France, is a first in western European country; improving overall environmental performances.
The building, designed by international architectural firm Arquitectonica, has improved the environmental performances of the site and have been able to generate energy savings of more than 25 per cent.
The certifications testify to the excellent quality of the ecological and sustainable management and operation of the real estate complex.
Arquitectonica is an architecture, interior design and planning firm that began in Miami in 1977 as an experimental studio. Led by Bernardo Fort-Brescia and Laurinda Spear, the studio has evolved into a worldwide practice, combining the creative spirit of the principals with the efficiency of delivery and reliability of a major architectural firm.
Today, Arquitectonica has a practice across the United States directed from regional offices in Miami, New York and Los Angeles. Arquitectonica’s international practice is supported by a European regional office in Paris; Asian regional offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai and Manila; the Middle East regional office in Dubai; and Latin American regional offices in Lima, Peru, and São Paulo, Brazil.
The organization focuses on ecologically-sensitive, yet commercially-viable, design, and is widely recognized for its ability to create unique forms of memorable imagery in close harmony with the environment. The firm explores the complex challenges of contemporary built and natural environments, developing solutions that balance a modern aesthetic with an ecologically sensitive practice to create value, identity and a sustainable environment.
Since its founding in 1977, Arquitectonica has won numerous American Institute of Architects and Progressive Architecture Design Awards.
Web: arquitectonica.com
Technical Achievements
Eos Generali, Issy les Moulineaux, France
HEQ High Environmental Quality – High Efficiency Level
The High Environmental Quality (HEQ) label is a sustainable-development approach applied to the design, construction and operation of buildings, with a view to controlling their impact on the outside environment and ensuring that the interior atmosphere is healthy and comfortable. Ratings are in three levels, “highly efficient,” “efficient” and “HEQ validation”
Compliance is recognized by official certification awarded by the construction-sector scientific and technical French centre (CSTB) in respect of new service sector buildings that comply with specifications including 14 points. It also reflects the Generali Group’s desire to invest in sustained development.
“Highly Efficient” Level in following categories
Eco-construction harmonious relationship between the building and its immediate environment
Eco-management water management
Eco-management management of upkeep and maintenance
Comfort Visual comfort
“Efficient” Level in following categories
Eco-management energy management
Comfort olfactory comfort
Health quality of air
Health quality of the water
The High Environmental Quality (HEQ) label also means lower energy consumption, which in turn, means lower cost for the tenant.
Air Conditioning
Radiant panel air conditioning with 1.35 m addressable zones
Ceilings
Metal ceilings with clear height of 2.8 m in the offices
Air
Low pressure fresh air system
Canvas Blinds
Adjustable canvas sun blinds
Raised Floors
Raised floor with 12 cm clear height
Power Supply
Power supply with 4 standard power points per work station
Awards
AIA Florida, Award of Honor for Unbuilt Work, 2006
Eco-Building Forum, ““Grand Prix” award, top prize for achievements in sustainable design”, 2007
Society of American Registered Architects (SARA), Design Award of Merit, 2010
AIA Miami, Honor Award of Excellence in Architecture, 2013
