European Investment Bank - VINCI Construction Grands Projets

BACKGROUND

This was the second time that VINCI Construction Grands Projets worked together with the EIB on its operating infrastructure. In 1994, we created a turnkey extension for the Bank consisting of a 2- and 3-storey building complex containing 280 high-end business offices.
The EIB is a European institution whose objective is to reinforce Europe’s potential in terms of employment and growth. To consolidate its legitimacy on European soil, the EIB needed a building, showcasing modernity and innovation, that reflected its brand image. Consequently, on this project, VINCI Construction Grands Projets made use of the most advanced techniques.

TECHNICAL OVERVIEW

The concrete structure remains visible, giving the building its modern and streamlined look.
To support the glass shell and provide an impression of overall robustness, the primary structure consists of concrete-reinforced steel tubes (diameter 600).
To achieve a natural look, building façades (covering no less than 20,000 m²) are mainly made up of wood curtain walls.
The use of these innovative techniques provides users with a level of comfort that meets the most recent standards with regard to well-being and ergonomics.

The 11,000-m² glass façade stands 35 metres high and 170 metres long and is suspended from specially designed curved steel beams.

IMPACT

The building’s design makes optimal use of natural energy sources (sunlight, wind, rainwater) to blend into its environment.
As an example, insulating glass was selected with the greatest care to ensure that the winter gardens are maintained at a higher temperature than the outside temperature during the winter months. In summer, a natural ventilation system ensures airflow from the bottom of the winter gardens to the air ducts at the top of the building.
On this project, we obtained a “High Environmental Quality” certification and a “Very Good” mark in accordance with the BREEAM certification requirements.