Hermitage Plaza, a new sustainable community for Paris

A sustainable community, designed by world-renowned architecture firm Norman Foster + Partners, is taking shape in Paris at the entrance to La Défense. The plans include two triangular, twin towers which face one another at ground level, framing a public square, then twist outwards overlooking the city as they rise. These mixed-use skyscrapers, currently the tallest in Western Europe at a height of 323 meters each, will house a hotel, spa, apartments and offices, with shops and cafés at the base for both occupants and the public to enjoy. The apartments will be located primarily on the highest floors, allowing residents to enjoy panoramic views of the French capital.

This sustainable, high-density development aims to achieve BREEAM excellent rating for environmental performance. The design lends itself to natural ventilation, with vents that can be opened to let in fresh air. The glazed panels covering the tower façades capture light, and are also angle to provide shade.
The towers are also surrounded by a new park, which sprawls over the existing road by means of a landscaped deck. Hermitage also extends to the banks of the Seine, and hopes to make that area greener as well.
As part of its sustainable provisions, the new development will be well-served by public transportation, with a new station even being added to accommodate it. Construction is expected to be complete in 2014.

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