IPHE Host Innovation Incubator & Hotel Architecture: A Model of Flexibility and Innovation for Modern Workspaces

An Incubator and Hotel for the Innovation Era

The IPHE Host Innovation Incubator & Hotel in Saclay, France, designed by Ignacio Prego Architectures, represents a bold approach to architectural flexibility, embodying the evolving landscape of workspaces. This multi-purpose building, completed in 2021, supports start-ups at various development stages, providing an adaptable structure that can shift as the needs of its users change. With modern, modular design, this building houses incubation, office spaces, and a business hotel to support entrepreneurs and innovators in the Paris-Saclay ecosystem.

Architectural Vision: Flexibility as the Foundation for Innovation

Embracing an "Undetermined Architecture"

The IPHE Host Innovation Incubator & Hotel reflects the belief that architecture should be flexible and future-oriented. Instead of predicting the future of work, Ignacio Prego Architectures designed a building that could adapt over time. This “undetermined architecture” means the building can be reconfigured and repurposed as the demands of its occupants evolve, from office spaces to business hotel rooms.

Key Design Elements: Creating a Flexible and Unified Space

Modular Floor Plans and Open Spaces

The IPHE Incubator & Hotel features open, modular floor plans with a central core that distributes utilities and allows for large, uninterrupted workspace areas. Floors can be organized into different configurations, enabling everything from collaborative working zones to private offices or event spaces. This setup provides start-ups with the flexibility they need to expand or adjust as their teams grow, supporting the spirit of innovation.

Double-Height Base for Public Engagement

The double-height base of the building serves as a lively, public-facing area that fosters a connection with the urban environment. With large glazed facades facing the street and courtyard, the base provides co-working spaces, demonstration areas, and a prototyping zone. The openness of this design creates a welcoming space that acts as an “agora” where entrepreneurs, engineers, and students can meet, collaborate, and innovate.

Sustainable and Community-Focused Design

Rooftop Terrace and Green Spaces

On the roof, a large green terrace provides a space for relaxation and informal gatherings with views of the Saclay plateau. This green area not only enhances the building’s sustainability credentials by providing insulation and supporting biodiversity but also offers a tranquil space where users can unwind and gain fresh inspiration.

Sustainable Materials and Efficient Layout

The IPHE building integrates sustainable materials from manufacturers like RAICO and MOEDING and prioritizes energy efficiency with a layout that maximizes natural light. The exterior is defined by a combination of glass and modular facade elements, creating a streamlined, minimalist look while promoting eco-friendly design.

Functional Layout: From Public Base to Private Workspaces

The Base as a Social Hub

The building’s base, designed with floor-to-ceiling windows and mezzanine balconies, highlights the social energy of the workspaces within. These areas serve as a showcase of the dynamic activities inside, with visibility into various working and prototyping spaces. By creating this transparency between the street and the incubator, Ignacio Prego Architectures fosters a dialogue between the IPHE building and the city of Saclay, emphasizing its public dimension and innovation.

Upper Levels: A Flexible Workspace Layout

Floors R+2 to R+6 house open workspaces for incubators and business hotels. Each level connects to a central core, which streamlines access to utilities and circulatory systems, freeing up the periphery for adaptable workstations. Large windows on every floor ensure ample natural lighting, providing occupants with comfortable, airy work environments that encourage productivity and creativity.

IPHE as a Blueprint for Future Workspace Design

The IPHE Host Innovation Incubator & Hotel in Saclay serves as a model of flexible, sustainable workspace design. By creating a structure that can adapt to different functions and user needs, Ignacio Prego Architectures has delivered an enduring architectural solution for the rapidly changing world of work. IPHE not only supports Paris-Saclay’s innovation ecosystem but also sets a benchmark in mixed-use architecture, merging public spaces with adaptable work environments in a sustainable, unified structure.

All photographs are work of Luc Boegly