ENGIE HEADQUARTERS

ENGIE HEADQUARTERS
Andrea Martiradonna

1980s office building in Milan earns LEED Platinum after sustainable renovation

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Engie's headquarters project showcases a comprehensive renovation of an energy-inefficient and poorly designed building from the 1980s, transforming it into a contemporary property that is LEED Platinum-certified. This renovation supports the revitalization of Milan's Bicocca district. The project fundamentally re-imagined the building's architecture, creating a lighter, more articulated form with new rooftop terraces offering panoramic views.

photo_credit Andrea Martiradonna
Andrea Martiradonna

Key improvements addressed obsolescence and energy inefficiency, creating a dynamic workspace integrated with the revitalized neighborhood and connected to the underground station. The building’s orientation was redesigned for enhanced visibility, and the ground floor reception was expanded to showcase the adjacent green space.

photo_credit Andrea Martiradonna
Andrea Martiradonna

A high-performance insulated glass façade maximizes natural light and external connectivity, featuring a double-glazed curtain wall with aluminum shading fins for exceptional insulation (0.7 W/m²K). Sleek aluminum accents add a refined aesthetic, while a striking glass and metal entrance pavilion with a protective canopy welcomes visitors.

photo_credit Andrea Martiradonna
Andrea Martiradonna

The project’s LEED Platinum certification underscores its commitment to sustainability, particularly in water conservation. The landscape includes 5,100 square meters of green spaces filled with drought-resistant plants, supported by an 85 cubic meter rainwater tank for irrigation.

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Sustainable strategies

Low-carbon strategies were central to the renovation, focusing on enhancing energy performance and minimizing environmental impact. Radiant ceiling panels efficiently regulate indoor temperatures, significantly lowering heating and cooling demands. The roof is equipped with photovoltaic panels, generating renewable energy. A smart Building Management System (BMS) optimizes functions such as lighting, HVAC, alarm management, and maintenance. Interior office spaces were redesigned for energy efficiency and soundproofing, enhancing the workspace environment.

photo_credit Andrea Martiradonna
Andrea Martiradonna

A new porter's lodge, constructed from transparent glass and press-bent sheet metal,  integrates with the building's perimeter. The floor-to-ceiling insulated double-glazing façade maximizes visual connection between the workplace and the external environment. Horizontal and vertical anodized aluminum elements subtly break up the building's scale, enhancing the interplay of light.

photo_credit Andrea Martiradonna
Andrea Martiradonna

The Bicocca district, a former industrial site, has been transformed into a vibrant hub anchored by the University of Milan, featuring cultural and commercial landmarks. The recently inaugurated metro line enhances connectivity. The comprehensive redesign and technological modernization of ENGIE HQ align with this district's revitalization, enhancing its attractiveness for businesses.

photo_credit Andrea Martiradonna
Andrea Martiradonna

Designed for adaptability, the project features modular workspaces and open layouts supporting future functional changes. The building's robust structure accommodates programmatic shifts, ensuring longevity and minimizing future demolition. Its architectural merit, smart working spaces, environmental sensitivity, and contextual awareness contribute significantly to the industrial area's revitalization.

Project credits

Architects
Film production - CES Credits AIA & CNAAPC
Site Supervision, Construction Management and Health & Safety
General Contractor
Main Tenant
Structural, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering

Sustainability

LEED • Platinum • BD+C
V4
Low Carbon
Embedded Carbon
Low Carbon
Operational Emissions / Energy
Efficient
Service and maintenance emissions

Product spec sheet

Window Frames
Sanitary elements
Floors and walls covering
Radial metal ceilings
Anodizing

Retrofitting Milanese Film - ENGIE HQ

Retrofitting Milanese Film - ENGIE HQ

In the recent years in Milan has arisen the need to recover buildings that are no longer efficient or adequate, totally altering the original plant. Recovering what already exists by improving their environmental performance with retrofitting actions is a sustainable choice because it saves the territory, which is a non-renewable and very limited resource.

In these terms, the film illustrates two projects by the Milan Studio Park Associati. 

ENGIE HQ
During 1980s in the Bicocca district the trend was to erect numerous buildings paying no attention to quality with the consequent delay in sustainable architectural production. 

Rather than implementing a restyling process for the ENGIE HQ the decision was to revise the whole architecture from scratch in order to obtain not only a light and articulated configuration but at the same a technological modernization.

 

An example of sustainable choice due to the fact that existing buildings now represent the largest contribution to energy consumption and polluting emissions. Recovering these constructions allows the application of the best technologies, assuring environment protection.

Watch Retrofitting Milanese and learn more about Engie Headquarters

Brand description
ISPLORA is the online e-learning platform for professional development, approved by the Italian National Council of Architects (CNAPPC) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA). ISPLORA offers cinematic-quality films about an hour long, which allow you to immerse yourself in the design and construction process of the buildings, and live-streams where you can interact with the architecture firms and the protagonists of the movies themselves. ISPLORA is also a magazine, a place to find information useful for your profession, a look at the territory and innovation, a reference for all events connected to architecture.
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