New Research Building at École Polytechnique

École Polytechnique has announced the construction of a new research building on its campus. As part of the Institution’s Performance and Objectives Contract (COP) 2022-2026, this building will embody its commitment to sustainable development, both in its design and operation.

The project brings together two renowned laboratories under one roof:

• The Laboratory of Physics of Interfaces and Thin Films (LPICM), which studies the physics and technologies of thin-film electronic devices: photovoltaic solar cells and sensors; as well as the fundamental properties and applications of polarized light in materials and biomedical imaging.

• The Leprince-Ringuet Laboratory (LLR), which operates in two research fields that complement each other both conceptually and technically: very high-energy gamma astronomy and particle physics.

With a total area of 4,000 m², this new building is part of a sustainable development approach, featuring a green roof equipped with photovoltaic panels, flexible and adaptable spaces, and a mixed wood and concrete structure. Designed by Baumschlager Eberle Architekten, it will include experimental facilities with gas handling rooms, a mechanical hall equipped with a unique overhead crane capable of lifting loads of up to 5 tons, as well as flexible and adaptable office spaces. At the heart of the building, a common entrance will lead to shared spaces, including a seminar room, a lounge area, and meeting rooms.

This project is led by a group of experts, including Bouygues Bâtiments Île-de-France as the lead contractor, Baumschlager Eberle Architekten as the architect, Vertical Sea for MEP engineering, C.I.Tech for special fluids, Studio Fahrenheit for safety and security engineering, Avel Acoustique for acoustics, and 2B Concept Consulting for laboratory consulting. Construction will begin in July 2026 and is scheduled for completion in early 2028.