 The First Plaza is a commercial complex located in the quaint, historic town of Metz in France. The Lazard Group Real Estate has developed this sustainable building, based on design by Unanime Architects.
Via Saint Gobain Glass India Flickr Photostream This new building, which was completed by the end of 2011, is sprawled across an area of 8,275 sq. m. One third of the building is occupied by shops while three floors are dedicated to offices. The aim of the architectural agency was to create a sustainable building with an original and harmonious front. The visual goal was to erase the structural effect, both horizontally and vertically. Hence it was felt that glass would serve as the perfect material to achieve the desired architectural objectives. The curtain walls of the First Plaza are adorned by transparent, opaque and acid etched glass. 2000 Sq. m of SGG Planitherm Ultra flank the North and East side, while the SGG Planistar covers the South and West side. There is about 1700 Sq. m of Emalit Beige with SGG Diamant substratum for the shops. Insulating glass of 2 meters has been used for the offices. Placed randomly, glass has indeed lent a rare originality to this sustainable building.
Via Saint Gobain Glass India Flickr Photostream All over the First Plaza, glass has created a sense of space and enhanced the visual quotient. The glass facade projects a magnificent appearance and makes its presence felt from even a distance. But the use of glass is not just about beautification and better aesthetics. In the effort to create a sustainable building, glass has been instrumental in bringing energy-efficiency with better solar control, thermal insulation and double glazing. With ample natural lighting and reducing the need for air-conditioning costs, the commercial building has been able to score high with lesser energy costs. |
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