Jackon Insulation insulates the Archives du Nord in Lille

For the construction of the first positive energy archive building in France, the client chose to insulate the roof and underground walls with JACKODUR Jackodrain and JACKODUR KF 300, insulation materials based on extruded polystyrene.

Located in the center of Lille, the Departmental Archives of the North building was no longer able to properly preserve its treasures. The project for a new archive center was launched in 2009 and entrusted to the contractor Norpac, a subsidiary of Bouygues Construction. This 7-story building now meets the new fire standards and boasts exceptional energy performance. Thanks to its 300 m² of photovoltaic panels and its green roof, the new building consumes 12 kW/m²/year, of which only 2 kW is used for heating. It produces an annual surplus of approximately 2 kWh of electricity each year.

Insulation, a key point of the structure

The project manager opted for a major change in the building's insulation. The 25 cm expanded polystyrene insulation panels planned in the design phase were replaced with 32 cm thick extruded polystyrene (λ of 0,036 W/mK) to achieve a better thermal resistance of 8,60 m2K/W.

The building is insulated by a 200 mm Monomur wall built between the beams and the honeycomb floors, then by 220 mm insulation panels. JACKODUR KF 300 glued to the exterior of the walls. The roof is covered with 320 mm insulation panels JACKODUR KF 300 Standard, while a 250 mm layer of insulation JACKODUR KF 300 Jackodrain was applied for the insulation and drainage of buried walls.

To combine exterior insulation and quality drainage, the project owner chose the system JACKODUR KF 300 Jackodrain. Composed of an extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) element and a non-woven protruding sheet, Jackodrain ensures the continuity of insulation from the outside, as well as the drainage of infiltration water towards the drain located at the foot of the structure. Thermal bridges are thus avoided.

Inverted and green roof

For the construction of an inverted roof, compression-resistant insulation was essential. Extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation panels JACKODUR KF 300 Standard were laid directly on the waterproofing coating. Optimal protection against external influences.  

Site technical sheet 

Location : Lille (59)

Project : Construction and insulation of an archive building

Project management : Department of the North – Directorate for the Development of Major Projects (DEGP)

Mastery of use : The Departmental Archives of the North

Architects: De Alzua and Zig Zag Architecture

Project manager : Norpac (subsidiary of Bouygues Construction)

Insulation materials used: JACKODUR KF 300 Jackodrain (250 mm) for insulation and drainage of buried walls, JACKODUR KF 300 Standard (320 mm) for roofing

Surface 14000 m2

Budget : €33 million including tax

Works duration : 4 years