Guardian Glass takes on the challenge of the Hekla Tower

Playing with the reflections of light and its environment, presenting a unique and modern aesthetic, but also contributing to the creation of spaces combining high environmental performance of the building and well-being of the occupants: these were the challenges that had to be taken up by the Guardian teams.

Combining technical prowess and environmental requirements of the building

When Guardian is entrusted with the construction of more than 20.000 m2 of glass which will make up the facade of the future emblem of La Défense, the specifications are particularly ambitious. The signature of the architect imposes the use of reflective products with high technical performance. The materials will also have to meet specific objectives in terms of the building's environmental efficiency, with builders aiming for quadruple certification from HQE Exceptional, BREEAM Excellent, LEED Platinum and EFFINERGIE+. The ambition of the HEKLA Tower is also to be awarded the WELL (well-being of occupants) and WiredScore Platinium labels.

Guardian: tailor-made support with high-tech lenses

To create "living" facades that change appearance during the day, the Guardian teams decided to bet on a mix of several solar control glasses from the SunGuard High Performance range (Neutral 60/40 and 50/32 ) and SunGuard HD Silver 70, depending on the orientation of the facade and the expected aesthetic and technical performance. They offer the first samples and organize visits to their production units. A prototype is set up in partnership with the facade designer Permasteelisa before validation.

The solar control glasses selected for this project are made from Guardian ExtraClear and UltraClear glasses with a low iron content, neutral color and brilliant clarity, on which are deposited layers for technical and aesthetic performance varying according to the facades of tower. Sun protection, light reflection, thermal and acoustic insulation… the glasses are designed to incorporate all customer expectations.

For David Tachon, Architectural Design Manager, International Projects at Guardian Glass: “From the design office to the supply chain, we achieved the objectives set and on time thanks to a close partnership between our technical and commercial teams with the architects from Ateliers Jean Nouvel, Permasteelisa and the builders. »