Architects: Valode & Pistre
Area: 49000 m²
Year: 2019
Photographs: Sergio Grazia, Laurent Kronental
Manufacturers: AutoDesk, Kuraray, Saint-Gobain
Lead Architects: Denis Valode – Jean Pistre
Building Contractor: Vinci
Consultants: Batiss, Lasa, Artelia
Engineering: Egis, TERRELL, Artelia, Arcora, Movveo, G-Sir, Transsolar, 8’18’’
Landscape: Raphia
Clients: Generali, Saint-Gobain
City: Paris
Country: France
Tour Saint-Gobain, designed by Valode & Pistre, is a 165-meter-high, 44-floor tower located in La Défense, France. Covering approximately 49,000 square meters, the building aims to achieve exemplary environmental quality, focusing on urban integration, energy performance, and user comfort.
![Photo_Sg_2019_-_Valode_Pistre-Tour_St_Gobain-La_Defense-Imp-D-058 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/photo_SG_2019_-_VALODE_PISTRE-tour_st_gobain-la_defense-IMP-D-058.jpg)
The Tour Saint-Gobain, a striking 165-meter-high building with 44 floors and about 49,000 square meters, is designed to achieve exemplary environmental quality. The project emphasizes urban integration, energy performance, and user comfort.
![Photo_Sg_2019_-_Valode_Pistre-Tour_St_Gobain-La_Defense-Imp-D-061 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/photo_SG_2019_-_VALODE_PISTRE-tour_st_gobain-la_defense-IMP-D-061.jpg)
Designing a new tower in La Défense today involves addressing various challenges: creating a flexible and efficient space, navigating technical and construction constraints on a complex site, ensuring quality living conditions in a high-rise building, evolving the business district into a more urban model, and representing the symbolic headquarters of a major French company.
![Tour Saint-Gobain / Valode &Amp; Pistre 1 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/photo_SG_2019_-_VALODE_PISTRE-tour_st_gobain-la_defense-IMP-D-049-1140x726.jpg)
![Tour Saint-Gobain / Valode &Amp; Pistre 2 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Valode_Pistre_Tour_Saint-Gobain_-_PLAN_GROUND_FLOOR-1140x806.jpg)
![Tour Saint-Gobain / Valode &Amp; Pistre 3 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/photo_SG_2019_-_VALODE_PISTRE-tour_st_gobain-la_defense-IMP-D-045-1140x760.jpg)
Despite these challenges, a tower is fundamentally about people and their experiences. Architects strive to evoke emotions and excitement through the building’s design.
![Photo_Sg_2019_-_Valode_Pistre-Tour_St_Gobain-La_Defense-Imp-D-047_2 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/photo_SG_2019_-_VALODE_PISTRE-tour_st_gobain-la_defense-IMP-D-047_2.jpg)
The Tour Saint-Gobain achieves this with an architectural design reminiscent of three crystals capturing and scattering light through reflection and transparency. The dynamic silhouette, composed of three oblique prisms resembling a head, body, and foot, interacts warmly with surrounding towers, creating a welcoming gesture.
![Photo_Sg_2019_-_Valode_Pistre_-_Tour_St_Gobains_-_La_Defense_-_Imp-C-003 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/photo_SG_2019_-_VALODE_PISTRE_-_tour_st_gobains_-_la_defense_-_IMP-C-003.jpg)
Nature plays a central role in the design, with large greenhouses enhancing the building’s aura and environmental performance. Gardens on all floors are directly accessible from office spaces, creating a connection to nature.
![Photo_Sg_2019_-_Valode_Pistre_-_Tour_St_Gobains_-_La_Defense_-_Imp-C-004 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/photo_SG_2019_-_VALODE_PISTRE_-_tour_st_gobains_-_la_defense_-_IMP-C-004.jpg)
The tower is designed as a prime resource for Saint-Gobain, divided into three distinct parts:
- The main body, devoted to office space.
- The lower part, housing services such as open access areas and a showroom on the esplanade level.
- The upper floors, located in the top glazed prism, containing reception areas, meeting places, and the “espace plein ciel,” a panoramic gathering area.
![Photo_Sg_2019_-_Valode_Pistre-Tour_St_Gobain-La_Defense-Imp-D-043 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/photo_SG_2019_-_VALODE_PISTRE-tour_st_gobain-la_defense-IMP-D-043.jpg)
The office floors offer panoramic views and strong natural lighting, with accessible, wind-sheltered outdoor gardens enhancing the working environment.
![Photo_Sg_2019_-_Valode_Pistre-Tour_St_Gobain-La_Defense-Imp-D-044 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/photo_SG_2019_-_VALODE_PISTRE-tour_st_gobain-la_defense-IMP-D-044.jpg)
Tour Saint-Gobain is environmentally and energy-efficient, with architectural and technical solutions contributing to its overall efficiency.
![Photo_Sg_2019_-_Valode_Pistre-Tour_St_Gobain-La_Defense-Imp-D-072 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/photo_SG_2019_-_VALODE_PISTRE-tour_st_gobain-la_defense-IMP-D-072.jpg)
The building’s design reflects Saint-Gobain’s qualities, emphasizing its leadership in construction materials and products. Its crystalline architecture highlights the aesthetic qualities and properties of glass, such as light transmission, thermal insulation, and low emissivity, embodying Saint-Gobain’s traditional activities.
![Tour-Saint-Gobain-(45) Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tour-Saint-Gobain-45.jpg)
Project Gallery
![Tour Saint-Gobain / Valode &Amp; Pistre 4 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/photo_SG_2019_-_VALODE_PISTRE_-_tour_st_gobains_-_la_defense_-_ECR-C-002-1140x652.jpg)
![Tour Saint-Gobain / Valode &Amp; Pistre 5 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/photo_SG_2019_-_VALODE_PISTRE-tour_st_gobain-la_defense-IMP-D-047_2.jpg)
![Tour Saint-Gobain / Valode &Amp; Pistre 6 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/photo_SG_2019_-_VALODE_PISTRE-tour_st_gobain-la_defense-IMP-D-058.jpg)
![Tour Saint-Gobain / Valode &Amp; Pistre 7 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/photo_SG_2019_-_VALODE_PISTRE_-_tour_st_gobains_-_la_defense_-_ECR-C-032.jpg)
![Tour Saint-Gobain / Valode &Amp; Pistre 8 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/photo_SG_2019_-_VALODE_PISTRE-tour_st_gobain-la_defense-IMP-D-061-1140x760.jpg)
![Tour Saint-Gobain / Valode &Amp; Pistre 9 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/photo_SG_2019_-_VALODE_PISTRE_-_tour_st_gobains_-_la_defense_-_IMP-C-012.jpg)
![Tour Saint-Gobain / Valode &Amp; Pistre 1 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/photo_SG_2019_-_VALODE_PISTRE-tour_st_gobain-la_defense-IMP-D-049-1140x726.jpg)
![Tour Saint-Gobain / Valode &Amp; Pistre 11 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/photo_SG_2019_-_VALODE_PISTRE_-_tour_st_gobains_-_la_defense_-_IMP-C-003-1140x760.jpg)
![Tour Saint-Gobain / Valode &Amp; Pistre 12 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/photo_SG_2019_-_VALODE_PISTRE-tour_st_gobain-la_defense-IMP-D-044-1140x988.jpg)
![Tour Saint-Gobain / Valode &Amp; Pistre 13 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/photo_SG_2019_-_VALODE_PISTRE-tour_st_gobain-la_defense-IMP-D-043.jpg)
![Tour Saint-Gobain / Valode &Amp; Pistre 14 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/photo_SG_2019_-_VALODE_PISTRE_-_tour_st_gobains_-_la_defense_-_ECR-C-011-1140x760.jpg)
![Tour Saint-Gobain / Valode &Amp; Pistre 3 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/photo_SG_2019_-_VALODE_PISTRE-tour_st_gobain-la_defense-IMP-D-045-1140x760.jpg)
![Tour Saint-Gobain / Valode &Amp; Pistre 16 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/photo_SG_2019_-_VALODE_PISTRE_-_tour_st_gobains_-_la_defense_-_IMP-C-004-1140x760.jpg)
![Tour Saint-Gobain / Valode &Amp; Pistre 17 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tour-Saint-Gobain-39-1140x855.jpg)
![Tour Saint-Gobain / Valode &Amp; Pistre 18 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Tour-Saint-Gobain-45.jpg)
![Tour Saint-Gobain / Valode &Amp; Pistre 19 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/photo_SG_2019_-_VALODE_PISTRE-tour_st_gobain-la_defense-IMP-D-070-1140x760.jpg)
![Tour Saint-Gobain / Valode &Amp; Pistre 20 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/photo_SG_2019_-_VALODE_PISTRE-tour_st_gobain-la_defense-IMP-D-069.jpg)
![Tour Saint-Gobain / Valode &Amp; Pistre 21 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/photo_SG_2019_-_VALODE_PISTRE-tour_st_gobain-la_defense-IMP-D-072.jpg)
![Tour Saint-Gobain / Valode &Amp; Pistre 22 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/photo_SG_2019_-_VALODE_PISTRE-tour_st_gobain-la_defense-IMP-D-065_2-1140x644.jpg)
![Tour Saint-Gobain / Valode &Amp; Pistre 23 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/photo_SG_2019_-_VALODE_PISTRE_-_tour_st_gobains_-_la_defense_-_IMP-C-031-1140x760.jpg)
![Tour Saint-Gobain / Valode &Amp; Pistre 24 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Valode_Pistre_Tour_Saint-Gobain_-_SITUATION_PLAN-1140x806.jpg)
![Tour Saint-Gobain / Valode &Amp; Pistre 25 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Valode_Pistre_Tour_Saint-Gobain_-_SOUTH_SECTION.jpg)
![Tour Saint-Gobain / Valode &Amp; Pistre 26 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Valode_Pistre_Tour_Saint-Gobain_-_ELEVATION_SE.jpg)
![Tour Saint-Gobain / Valode &Amp; Pistre 27 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Valode_Pistre_Tour_Saint-Gobain_-_ELEVATION_SW.jpg)
![Tour Saint-Gobain / Valode &Amp; Pistre 28 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Valode_Pistre_Tour_Saint-Gobain_-_PLAN_FLOOR_27-1140x806.jpg)
![Tour Saint-Gobain / Valode &Amp; Pistre 29 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Valode_Pistre_Tour_Saint-Gobain_-_PLAN_FLOOR_37_ESPACE_PLEIN_CIEL-1140x806.jpg)
![Tour Saint-Gobain / Valode &Amp; Pistre 2 Tour saint-gobain / valode & pistre](https://www.architecturelab.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Valode_Pistre_Tour_Saint-Gobain_-_PLAN_GROUND_FLOOR-1140x806.jpg)
Project Location
Address: 12 Pl. de l’Iris, 92400 Courbevoie, France
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.