Symbio Factory à Saint-Fons
The largest hydrogen systems production plant in Europe, Symbio’s fuel cell manufacturing site, the current leaders in hydrogen in Europe, has been home to nearly 650 employees, including around 450 engineers, since September 2023. As part of the ‘France 2030’ project, its location in Saint-Fons meets a major challenge: it will accelerate the development of the industry and efficiently connect research and innovation to the dense and rich ecosystem of Lyon’s Chemical Valley. Combining an old hall renovated to house the tertiary headquarters with a new R&D and production site, the architectural project combines ideal functional efficiency with a high degree of modularity. Optimised construction, close proximity, a clear flow of materials, the ability to constantly evolve manufacturing areas, and the close links between research and production all combine to form a response tailored to the needs of a high-tech company that is totally focused on innovation. At Saint-Fons, the Symbio gigafactory brings together 26,000 sq.m of production and cleanroom space, Research & Development, the Symbio Hydrogen Academy and 8,000 sq.m of tertiary space (4,000 restructured + 4,000 new) at the head office. Ultimately, the site will be able to expand to 40,000 sq.m. To maximise the efficiency of the layout, a wide street irrigates the process level, and its open plans with large spans allow optimum scalability. Structuring the flows, it also forms a living space where all the support functions come together. The keystone of the project, a showcase for Symbio and a centre of life, the inhabited hall links the converted former hall with the production and R&D areas.
Team
Director
Project leader
Myriam Dana, Christine Guillas
Team
Vincent Orthlieb, Ketty Maitre, Corinne Thibaut, Etienne Sigros, Marie-Anne Steinhaus, Sabine Fontana, Nicole Combalot, Annick Isnard, Florian Burnichon, Adrien Jacques le seigneur