The Grand Palais Éphémère is a temporary 10 000m² building designed by Wilmotte & Associés Architectes. 

The timber truss structure was constructed on the Champ-de-Mars in Paris, in front of the Ecole Militaire and on the axis of the Eiffel Tower.  

While the Grand Palais is closed for restoration works, this building will house art, fashion and sporting events, including the FIAC, Saut Hermès and Chanel fashion shows. 

During the 2024 Paris Olympics, this ephemeral construction hosted up to 9 000 spectators for the judo and wrestling competitions. 

The construction hosted up to 9 000 spectators for the judo and wrestling competitions at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Design 

Completely free of posts or any structural elements, the main nave of the Grand Palais Éphémère spans 51m in width and 33m in depth. A total of 44 monumental arches were assembled on site over three months, with the structure covered with opaque PVC on the roof so that interior light can be managed in accordance with events taking place. 

Materiality 

Fluorine-based plastic, ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), was used on the outside, with its transparency ensuring that the wooden identity of the Grand Palais Éphémère’s structure remains visible. ETFE has a high corrosion resistance and strength over a wide temperature range. 

The modular design of the building is completely free of posts or any structural elements.

Long-lasting adaptivity 

The components for this structure were designed for longevity, whilst a modular design allows for adaptive re-use when the need to disassemble arises. 

Project details: 

Project name: Grand Palais Éphémère. 

Location: Champ-de-Mars, Paris, France. 

Source: Mass Timber Focus Group. 

Architects: Wilmotte & Associés Architectes. 

Civil engineering: Chabanne. 

Manufacturers: Trimo. 

Wood contractor: Mathis SA. 

Images: Patrick Tourneboeuf and Wilmotte & Associés Architectes. 

Blurb: Archello et. al. 

Full acknowledgement and thanks go to Mass Timber Focus Group for the information in this article.