Sustainable Public Architecture in Corbeil-Essonnes: Centre des Finances Publiques by Lemoal Lemoal Architectes

The Centre des Finances Publiques in Corbeil-Essonnes, designed by Lemoal Lemoal Architectes, is a transformative project located in a sparsely populated urban area in France. Originally constructed in 1971 as a modular "Pailleron-type" building, this public finance center has undergone a comprehensive refurbishment to meet modern sustainability and energy efficiency standards.

Architectural Evolution: From Modular to Modern

Original Structure

The building's original design featured metal posts and beams clad in glazed façade panels with horizontal sunshades, creating a geometric rectangular parallelepiped form. This modular construction was known for its efficient layout but lacked energy optimization.

Principles of Renovation

The architects stripped the structure down to its core, exposing the system of posts, beams, and floor slabs. The asbestos-laden façades were dismantled and replaced, adhering to modern safety and sustainability practices. Key interventions included:

• Reusing false ceiling slabs as acoustic tiles.
• Sandblasting and reinstalling sunshades to preserve architectural identity.
• Installing transparent glass partitions to optimize daylight usage.

Sustainability at the Core

Alignment with the Tertiary Eco Energy Programme

As part of France’s Dispositif Éco Énergie Tertiaire (DEET), the renovation aimed to drastically improve energy performance. Key measures included:

• Enhanced Insulation: Internal and external insulation were added to reduce energy loss.
• Improved Windows: High-quality window replacements minimized thermal inefficiency.
• Energy Reduction: Primary energy usage was halved from 2.74 kWh/m² to 1.14 kWh/m².

Life Cycle Assessment (LCA)

The project implemented a complete Life Cycle Assessment, focusing on material reuse and recycling to minimize carbon impact. This "preventive removal" approach saved 1.4 tonnes of materials, preserving the building's historical identity while embracing sustainability.

User-Centric Design

Reorganized Interiors

The renovation reorganized the interior spaces, creating open-plan layouts with centralized technical areas, services, and archives. A corridor acts as a buffer zone, bringing in natural light through glass partitions.

Improved Accessibility

External approaches and access points were redesigned to enhance user experience, making the building more welcoming for public interaction.

A Model for Sustainable Public Architecture

The Centre des Finances Publiques by Lemoal Lemoal Architectes exemplifies the seamless integration of sustainability, functionality, and architectural heritage. It sets a benchmark for public architecture by balancing energy efficiency with user-centric design principles.

All the photographs are work of Nicolas Trouillard