Zwirner Gallery Paris
The Zwirner Gallery, located in the Marais district of Paris, has reopened its doors after a major renovation carried out by Selldorf Architects and Studio Razavi. This art gallery covers 800 m² on the ground floor and is bathed in natural light thanks to a fire-resistant glass roof dating from the late 19th century.
The David Zwirner Gallery, located in the Marais district of Paris, has reopened its doors after a major renovation carried out by Selldorf Architects and Studio Razavi. This art gallery covers 800 m² on the ground floor and is bathed in natural light thanks to a fire-resistant glass roof dating from the late 19th century.
This iconic 200 m² glass roof has been refurbished with a steel structure by Jansen and fire-resistant glazing by Vetrotech Saint-Gobain to preserve the authenticity of the building and its Eiffel style, while incorporating modern and innovative elements to accommodate the contemporary exhibitions of the David Zwirner Gallery.
Vetrotech's EW-rated VETROFLAM® glazing was chosen for its flame-retardant properties, blocking smoke, flames, and hot gases for 60 minutes while reducing radiant heat transmission. This glazing solution, suitable for large areas and sloped applications, protects flammable materials on the opposite side of the fire for an extended period of time, ensuring the protection of surrounding homes in the event of a fire originating in the gallery.
In addition, this fire-resistant glass helps preserve works of art thanks to its remarkable UV stability. The glazing remains durable and transparent, even when exposed to prolonged sunlight, while filtering out harmful rays and allowing high-quality natural light to pass through, which is essential for appreciating the works. With up to 82% light transmission, the glass roof maximizes natural light, creating a suitable environment to working on, preserving artworks and objects.
In an art gallery, glass roofs offer several advantages: they showcase the artworks thanks to natural light, create an inspiring and stimulating atmosphere, and give the space a unique architectural charm. Modern glass roofs also provide good thermal and acoustic insulation, contributing to a comfortable environment and optimized energy consumption.
The renovation of the fire–rated glass skylight at the Zwirner Gallery is a notable example of how architectural heritage can be preserved and modernized, creating safe and aesthetic cultural infrastructures meeting contemporary architectural needs.
Key achievements of the project
- Dual protection against fire risk and UV rays and heat, to ensure the preservation of the artworks
- Collaboration between teams to bring this project to life through a new technical validation
- Preservation of the building's architecture and ancient framework
Key challenges of the project
- Protect the confidentiality of the works exhibited in the gallery with screen-printed glass
- Successfully protect the works of art by limiting the effects of time and storage conditions
- A complex installation with access constraints and no crane, requiring particularly meticulous work
Project partners
Vetrotech Saint-Gobain Atlantic
