Gare de Lyon, Paris

Products used : Tensions Bars 460 and compressions Struts

Background:

The most recently completed major intervention on the glass structures at Gare de Lyon concerns the Petite Halle Voyageurs (PHV), covering Hall 1,and was completed in early 2014 after roughly three years of works. This project formed part of a wider heritage-led programme by SNCF Gares & Connexions, carried out with its lead architecture AREP, and the engineering structural designs by MaP3 www.map3.net which were aimed specifically at restoring historic station halls and their iron-and-glass envelopes.

The renovation focused on the historic glass roof and its metal framework, originally dating from 1898, which is listed as a historic monument. Gare de Lyon is one of France’s most significant railway monuments, and its iron-and-glass halls are magnificent examples of late‑19th‑century railway architecture, which is so important to preserve.

Key interventions included:

Complete restoration of the glass panels (verrières), replacing or refurbishing damaged panes while preserving the original geometry and rhythm of the structure
Cleaning, repairing, and repainting the metal framework, respecting historic colours and techniques
Reintroduction of a central “puit de lumière” (light well) above Hall 1, restoring the station’s original daylighting concept
Installation of high‑performance glazing, improving thermal comfort, reducing glare, and limiting heat build-up while maintaining transparency and visual lightness.

The guiding principle of the restoration was to return the hall to its original appearance and luminosity, not to reinterpret it.

Key aspects of the approach included:

Close coordination with Architectes des Bâtiments de France and heritage authorities
Use of traditional restoration techniques for metal and glass where visible
Discreet integration of modern performance standards (insulation, solar control, safety glass) so that they do not alter the historic character

They have achieved both visual and spatial impact , with the hall so much brighter and the glass and metal are architecturally significant using modern materials.

Macalloy Involement : Working with MaP3, the structural engineers we supplied 460 grade tension rods and M30 compression struts

Thanks to Taha Aladine from MaP3 who supplied the photographs of this restoration www.map3.net