Reynaers brings simplicity
and strength to Paris’
horizontal skyscraper,
the Macdonald Warehouse
T
he redevelopment of Paris’
Macdonald Warehouse has
transformed an urban logistics
building into a vibrant and contemporary
neighbourhood, using bespoke glazing
systems from Reynaers.
and XDGA, which wraps around the
entire ground floor, the bridge building
across the tramline as well as the exterior
spaces and two blocks of assisted rental
housing.
Architect Milena Wysoczynska, Project
Manager at Paris-based XDGA-FAA, said:
“Seeking a simple yet strong solution,
we developed a single pattern for both
blocks, with three-dimensional panelling
that reflected the sky and added depth
to the façade.”
This project integrates into The Grand
Urban Renewal Project; Paris’ wider
efforts to provide more homes and inject
life into neglected areas that are cut off
by industrial facilities and infrastructural
networks. An industrial barrier in itself,
the ‘Macdo’ was designed in 1970 by
Marcel Forest. The impressive structure
spans over 600m in length, earning it
the nickname ‘une tour couchée’, or ‘the
horizontal skyscraper’.
Desénclavement
A key concept in the renewal project
is desénclavement, or ‘opening up,’
making the area less isolated and more
accessible.
Once considered ‘ugly and difficult,’ the
Macdo was developed and built upon
by fifteen French and international
teams. Co-ordinator Floris Alkemade,
the Netherlands’ Chief Government
Architect, explained that their aims are
to respect the building’s heritage and
The clean, sharp design of Reynaers
windows integrates perfectly with the
rhythmically extruded façades. This
pleated façade was designed by FAA
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With the residential aspect divided
neatly into private and social housing,
aesthetic standards ensure that no
visible distinction can be made. As
one of the biggest “live, work, play,
shop” venues in France, the Macdonald
Warehouse will offer more than 1,000
homes, expansive space for offices, shops
and communal activities as well as two
schools, a gymnasium and a bank across
an incredible 210,000m2 of floor space.
Caisse des Dépôts et Consignations, a
public sector financial institution, funded
the €240 million development.
Camille Picard, Managing Director of
Paris Nord EST at the Caisse des Dépôts,
said: “The scheme has a direct influence
on the entire area; it enables everything
that is happening in the neighbourhood.
Without it, the construction of a new
development zone across the street
wouldn’t have started as they would
struggle to sell flats and offices looking
out on a warehouse.”
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Page 53 - Archetech
Pleated facades
Key factors in specifying a range of
Reynaers products for lots N5 and
S6 of the design were performance,
costs and technical evaluation. The CF
77 system combines high insulation
and comfort with visual appeal. It is a
highly versatile product, with a range of
available opening types and threshold
solutions. The folding elements with
hidden gaskets create a particularly clean
appearance, proving to be both efficient
and aesthetically pleasing for ceilinghigh, foldable doors.
enhance it with contemporary elements.
Alkemade, along with Belgian architect
Xaveer de Geyter, established design
guidelines to strike balance between
coherence and creative freedom
amongst the different plots. The result is
a tidy North façade which overlooks the
boulevard, juxtaposed against the more
colourful and spontaneous South façade
which overlooks a new train station and
gardens.