Designed by Parisotto+Formenton Architetti, the new headquarters of Fossati Serramenti in Piacenza establishes a refined balance between architecture and brand identity. Positioned next to the company’s existing production facility, the 800-square-meter building functions as a contemporary workplace, a product showroom, and a visual beacon in the suburban landscape. Wrapped in a skin of vertical slats and defined by a permeable spatial concept, the project responds to themes of transparency, environmental comfort, and expressive minimalism.
A luminiscent volume in the landscape
The headquarters is conceived as a luminous architectural object. It is a box of glass and vertical blades that transforms from transparent to lantern-like as day turns to night. The slatted skin filters light and views, acting both as a solar shield and a privacy layer. The design interprets the concept of the window abstractly, using staggered horizontal and vertical openings to establish a fluid connection between the building’s interior and its landscape.
Layering public and private spaces
The programme is divided into two clear levels: a bright, open showroom at ground level and a more protected office floor above. The ground floor prioritises visibility and openness, with full-height glazing that draws in light and invites the public into the Fossati product universe. Above, the denser array of vertical slats provides a quiet, efficient workplace environment while maintaining a harmonious dialogue with the lower level.
A showroom that reflects the brand
The ground-floor exhibition space is designed as a fluid, versatile area that foregrounds Fossati’s window and door systems. Rather than acting as a static display, the showroom incorporates narrative and tactility by presenting products with an emphasis on CMF (Color, Material, Finish) to engage both professional and lay audiences. An adjoining educational zone supports seminars and workshops and extends outward to a landscaped terrace, merging indoor experience with the external environment.
Designing for people and productivity
Inside the office areas, the emphasis shifts to comfort, efficiency, and workplace wellbeing. The layout optimises ergonomics, with an abundance of natural light and clear zoning that supports both focused work and collaborative exchange. A patio adjacent to the reception area invites greenery into the heart of the building. This is an architectural gesture that softens the industrial edge of the site and signals a welcoming approach to visitors. As a headquarters, showroom, and symbol, the building integrates innovation with atmosphere.
