Client: Aéroport Roland Garros
Architects: AIA Life Designers
Engineers: AIA Ingénierie
Main Contractor: Cancé SA

FIEGER Products
Application: Ventilation & Smoke Control
Type: FLM-FB SmoTec

The new terminal building at the Roland Garros Airport on the French island of La Réunion, is the world’s first large-scale bioclimatic terminal. The project was funded by a €65 million support grant from the European Regional Development Fund, as part of the EU’s Cohesion Policy.

The new Arrivals’ Terminal is characterised by a striking modern design and innovative engineering, which harnesses wind power to cool the building, using natural ventilation. The mechanical services also feature photovoltaic panels to optimise renewable energy use.

The building design by AIA Life Designers was influenced by the objective of utilising the Trade Winds that prevail in this part of the Indian Ocean. Internally, the emphasis is on natural materials with stunning timber features complemented by lush natural vegetation.

From the outset it was clear that any louvred ventilators must be able to withstand the weather conditions on La Réunion, such as very heavy rainfall and cyclones.

To meet the natural ventilation requirements, FIEGER was approached at an early stage in the design process to advise and resulted in a new product being developed. This is the FLM-FB which consists of framed single-glazed or composite panel louvre blades.

A total of 834 FIEGER FLM-FB Louvre Windows were installed, comprising a combination of 10mm laminated single-glazed louvres and 12mm insulated aluminium panel blades.

The FLM-FB has been extensively tested to a range of European Standards including EN 12101-2 for natural smoke venting and EN 14351-1, the Windows and doors product standard.

It achieved an air permeability rating of Class 3 in accordance with EN 12207, which increased to Class 4 with silicone seals. The Watertightness test to EN 12208 resulted in Class 5A, which was uprated to Class 7A with silicone seals.

The resistance to wind load rating under EN 12210/12211 was C5/B5.

On the 15th January 2024, these laboratory tests were subject to a real-life test when the island of La Réunion was hit by a tropical cyclone called Belal, with winds exceeding 100 mph qualifying it as a Category 2 Hurricane.

The FIEGER louvre windows passed with flying colours, remaining intact throughout the storm.

To provide both FIEGER AirTec and SmoTec functions, the vents were each fitted with D+H LDF 1400 ACB 230V AC and 24V DC motors. The motors were programmed for anti-trapping safe operation and were wired to the control system to interface with the temperature sensors for day-to-day ventilation and the smoke detectors for emergency smoke and heat release.



FIEGER FLM-FB vents with insulated aluminium louvres fitted into the curtain walling above the FLM-FB single-glazed louvre windows. 17mm extruded adapters were fixed to the vent frames to facilitate installation into the mullions and transoms.