Ceiling solutions from SAS International have proved the perfect fit for new office projects in Paris’s business district, La Défense. In two impressive developments – Tour T1 and Batiment B, ZAC Danton Paris, SAS International’s System 330 metal ceilings met all the required criteria.

Architectural practice Valode & Pistre Architects and main contractor Bouygues Construction worked on Tour T1 for developer Hines Interests LP. An imposing and eye-catching building, it is the second tallest ‘skyscaper’ in the business district at 185m tall.

SAS International’s System 330 was specified throughout the offices, with special trapezoidal panels supplied in addition to the rectangular panels.

Trapezoidal panels are an ideal solution for ceilings in radial buildings such as this, with its curved ‘bull nose’ frontage. SAS International manufactured a series of paired trapezoidal panels which allowed the ‘notional corridor’ ceiling to neatly follow the shape of the building floor plate.

The SAS International solution was chosen on the basis of quality, price, production capacity and performance. A stringent fire rating was specified, a strict criteria in all French commercial buildings.

All of the SAS International products were tested at the CSTB Laboratory in France to the new safety standard EN 13501-1. The resulting classification of the panels is the highest that can be achieved for ceilings, A2-s1,d0; this is a measure of fire behaviour, smoke protection and flaming droplets.

In addition, a series of acoustic tests were completed to determine sound absorption and sound attenuation performance of the ceiling. A figure of 49dB for sound attenuation was achieved which was noted as one of the best attenuation figures for an SAS ceiling recorded to date.

The trapezoidal ceiling system was designed so that every panel is fully accessible. Infill panels take support from the exposed ‘C’ profile suspension grid providing a flush finish with tile and grid. Swing down access from the grid means easy maintenance to the ceiling void can be achieved from each panel. Panels can be slid back along the grid when in their vertical position to provide additional access to the void without removing panels.

Located at the foot of Tour T1 and designed by the same architect, Batiment B is also a high rise but its reduced height complements the urban plan at the entrance of the site. It features deep interior spaces and very few columns, and also has a curved frontage. Such wide expanses provide a feeling of space internally but require ceiling modules which are sympathetic to this layout.

SAS International also worked with Bouygues Construction on this project. Again, SAS International’s System 330 metal ceiling panels were chosen for their flexibility including a section with trapezoidal profiles to maintain the curve of the building.

System 330 offers the facility to design the ceiling to any building planning grid ensuring that the ceiling follows the structural elements of the building design. Infill panels are available in a variety of forms.

Email: enquiries@sasint.co.uk