The new building contains the facilities of the Chemistry Department at Insubria Unversity. The heterogeneous character of the site suggested a strategy based on volumetric simplicity able to generate a strong relationship with the cylindrical existing building. The compact volume is defined by an opaque shell of reinforced concrete. Metal cladding is applied to the shell, creating a ventilated façade. The thin dark skin is composed of oxidized copper panels with varied hexagonal openings. The oxidation and perforation of the segments, mounted flush with the glass surfaces of the windows, give the volume an abstract character and an appearance that changes in response to the direction of the sunlight and the colour of the sky. The metal panes of oxidized copper are smaller in size to facilitate installation and reduce thickness. They are supported by a metal substructure and installed with minimum seams to convey the impression of a single solid volume. The sheets are pre-oxidized on both sides with an industrial treatment that accelerates the formation of the typical brown colouring.
© Onsitestudio . Published on April 23, 2013.
© Onsitestudio . Published on April 23, 2013.
© Onsitestudio . Published on April 23, 2013.
© Onsitestudio . Published on April 23, 2013.
© Onsitestudio . Published on April 23, 2013.
© Onsitestudio . Published on April 23, 2013.
© Onsitestudio . Published on April 23, 2013.
© Onsitestudio . Published on April 23, 2013.
© Onsitestudio . Published on April 23, 2013.
© Onsitestudio . Published on April 23, 2013.
© Onsitestudio . Published on April 23, 2013.