Image and function
In recent years the concept of "workplace" has undergone a dramatic transformation.rnOffice buildings, whether executive or representative, have become the subject of in-depth reflection.
From a functional point of view, the very concept of "office" is evolving towards new forms, in order to be suitable for new activities, new working times and recently emerging needs of people, companies and customers.
Even the buildings designed to contain these spaces are becoming the subject of reflection and change: the importance of the representativeness of the headquarters in relation to the visions of the companies is one of the focal points of the building's design, which, however, must necessarily be aligned (or perhaps even innovative and advanced) with the requirements of thermal-hygrometric comfort and energy containment.
It is no longer enough to have a "beautiful and representative" headquarters or a headquarters with advanced and efficient systems: the project must incorporate all instances and merge them into a functional and effective unicum from all points of view. And, if the matter already seems difficult when it comes to new constructions, the issue of recovering the (many) existing buildings becomes a real design challenge.
The Lodi building, already an important headquarters of the group, has been the subject of a significant intervention focused on the redevelopment of the envelope.
rnEnergy requalification and the desire to communicate the Group's new organisation were the two main design "inputs".
From a functional point of view work was carried out on energy requalification, on the other hand a system was chosento help define “new” aesthetic.
The new business card of the Company is in fact an envelope that comprises insulation and a ventilated ffaçade, as well as new windows, and therefore conjugates the improvement of energy performance with a new “outfit”.
The technology of the ventilated façade<
The ventilated façade is one of the most growing technological systems in the construction sector dedicated to recovery, both for reasons related to energy retrofitting, and for the possibility of donating a new look to buildings.
rnIt is generally defined as an opaque vertical closure system in which an air blade interrupts the continuity of the layers. It can be compared to a shell that encloses the building, whatever the type of supporting load-bearing structure, bound to it but aesthetically independent.
The fixing is entrusted to a metal structure and must be adaptable to any type of main supporting structure, in this case a precast concrete structure.
The cladding
The ceramic cladding, among the various products available on the market for application in ventilated façades, is certainly the most versatile: it lends itself to various types of fixing systems, of different performance and cost levels. Aesthetically speaking, ceramics are suitable for countless visuals, from the most sober and traditional to the most innovative ideas. Ceramics on the façade allow to combine one of the oldest and most durable materials with the most innovative construction technologies.
The choice, in addition to aesthetic instances, can be conditioned by parameters such as mechanical resistance, continuity of characteristics related to production controls, reflectance, etc.
Metal Design by Cerdisa, the series that probably best characterises Cardisa's core “concept”, lent itself on this occasion to become the “skin” for the new envelope of the office building Hitachi Energy.
rnThe play of light that the extraordinary metal effect surface can allow, make the surfaces unique and highly recognisable, constantly evolving throughout the day based on the perception of sunlight.
The production technology of the Maranello plants of the Cerdisa Ricchetti Group, in particular the innovative T2D that characterises the digital printing system, has allowed to create a surface with a contemporary aesthetic, evocative of metallic surfaces, but with its own recognisable and elegant “mood”.