La Samaritaine, Paris | Pilkington

Pilkington UK, part of the NSG Group, played a crucial role in the restoration of La Samaritaine, a historic department store in Paris. The project, a blend of historical preservation and modern design, utilized Pilkington Optiwhite™ to enhance the building's aesthetic and functional qualities.

The Project
La Samaritaine, a celebrated Parisian landmark, embarked on a €750 million renovation project to transform it into a premier luxury retail, entertainment, and hospitality hub. The renovation aimed to modernize the building while preserving its historical essence, and it included the creation of a new, sinuous façade that provides a fresh perspective on the historic Rue de Rivoli. Designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architects SANAA, the façade consists of 343 individually curved and laminated glass panels, supplied by Pilkington Glass Service, part of the NSG Group. This significant renovation project is a stone's throw from The Louvre and involves a detailed blend of historic preservation and contemporary design, showcasing the building’s evolution over time.

The Product in Use
Pilkington Optiwhite™ low-iron glass was specified for the façade to ensure exceptional clarity and enhance the visual impact of the renovation. The façade features 343 panels of curved glass, each varying in size and shape, with weights ranging from 600 to 1250 kg. Despite their weight, the panels are held in place with just four stainless steel fixings, achieving the sleek and minimal profile desired by SANAA. The reflective chromium coating applied to the glass amplifies the façade's visual effect, creating intriguing and ever-changing perspectives of the Rue de Rivoli. Pilkington Optiwhite™ was selected for its extraordinary clarity and natural color balance, contributing to the façade's seamless integration with its historic surroundings and enhancing outward views for building occupants.