On July 15, a significant fire erupted at the construction site of the “Messager” building in Paris’ 12th district, consuming all eight floors of the timber-structured office project. Designed as a low-carbon and reversible building, Messager incorporated a timber post-and-beam frame, prefabricated timber façade panels (FOB), and timber-concrete composite floors, hallmarks of sustainable, modern construction. However, the fire exposed the risks of using combustible materials when protective layers are not yet in place.
The cause of the blaze remains unknown, but key vulnerabilities have been identified. The timber components were exposed during construction, without fire-resistant finishes or passive protections installed. Prefabricated façades and structural elements, typically assembled for precision, speed, and sustainability, remained unprotected. The potential presence of gas cylinders and site equipment may have further increased the fire load.
This incident emphasizes a critical industry lesson: while timber construction offers substantial environmental benefits, it requires rigorous fire safety measures, especially during early phases when materials are most exposed. Hybrid systems like timber-concrete floors and modular timber façades can be fire-safe if designed with encapsulation in mind.
The Messager fire is a stark reminder that innovation must align with safety. Fire-resilient design is fully compatible with sustainable goals when non-combustible cladding (such as Alpolic NC/A1) and protective strategies are used effectively. 
As low-carbon construction grows, so must our commitment to protecting both buildings and lives. Safety, sustainability, and smart design must go hand in hand, especially with timber at the core.
Source: Batinfo.com with additional information added by Glass Balkan
