Atlantica: Aquitaine Poitou-Charentes

Atlantica – Caisse d’Épargne Headquarters, Bordeaux, France
Project overview

The Atlantica headquarters of the Caisse d’Épargne bank forms part of Bordeaux’s Euratlantique development, a large urban regeneration initiative. Designed by Architecture‑Studio in collaboration with Bouygues Immobilier, the complex interplays interior and exterior spaces through a series of courtyards, atria and terraces. The climate in Bordeaux features mild winters and hot summers, so providing controlled daylight and preventing overheating were key objectives.

Design challenge

The building’s expansive glazing offers views over the Garonne River and surrounding cityscape. However, these glass façades would typically require external sunshades to prevent overheating and glare, which could disrupt the building’s clean lines and complicate maintenance. The designers wanted a solution that would preserve the transparency of the façades while delivering high thermal comfort for the thousands of employees working within.

RetroSolar strategy

Approximately 70 000 ft² of RETROLux 50 mm blinds were manufactured by RetroSolar Germany and installed by Mariton France
retrosolar.us
. The blinds are concealed behind the glazing and operate within the insulated glass units. Their reflective upper surfaces deflect direct sunlight, while the lower surfaces maintain views. The blinds integrate seamlessly into the façade, preserving the fluid relationship between interior and exterior that is central to the architectural concept. The retro‑reflective design prevents overheating while allowing light to penetrate deep into the office floors.

Building physics and performance

The mirror‑optic blinds reduce solar heat gain and therefore cooling loads, which is particularly beneficial during Bordeaux’s hot summers. By sending direct sunlight back towards the sky, the blinds keep interior surfaces cool and prevent glare on computer screens. The diffuse light that enters is redistributed onto the ceilings and floors, creating a bright yet comfortable workspace. The system’s integration within the glass protects it from weather and ensures long‑term performance.

Architectural outcome and significance

The Atlantica headquarters demonstrates how high‑performance daylighting systems can be reconciled with contemporary architectural expressions that favour transparency and fluidity. By avoiding bulky external shades, the project maintains a sleek appearance and emphasises the interplay between interior volumes and outdoor terraces. The building contributes to the sustainability goals of the Euratlantique district and sets a precedent for future developments in similar climates.