Retrofitting

Set within the dense urban fabric of Pagkrati, a neighborhood known for its creative energy and eclectic character, this apartment renovation transforms a typical polykatoikia unit into a home that balances quiet elegance with bursts of personality.Designed for a young family of three, the project carefully walks the line between restraint and expression. The main living areas are intentionally understated: a muted palette, clean geometries, and timeless furniture pieces create a calm, adaptable canvas. These spaces are meant to evolve over time, inviting layers of artwork, objects, and memory to take root and grow organically. Thanos Palaskos / Bessawissa Studio Thanos Palaskos / Bessawissa Studio Thanos Palaskos / Bessawissa... More

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Solina factory is an example of a textile site, a representation of twentieth century industrial architecture ensemble that illus- trates the industrial, technological achievements of the period in India as well as internationally. Therefore the new use of this industrial heritage site will facilitate in disseminating the development of appropriate techniques for conserving twenti- eth century Industrial heritage. Caption Caption DESIGN APPROACH Conservation actions for the Solina are based on documenta- tion and research on various aspects of the buildings as well as a broader understanding of its geographical, historical and architectural context, taking into account its new future use. Caption... More

The project salvages and regenerates part of an office complex dating back to the 1960s. Thanks to a complete rethinking of the façade and the internal layout, the strong retrofitting intervention manages to create a flexible, elegant building characterised by refined materials that establish a connection with the surrounding context — a district in the north of Milan that is undergoing significant transformation. © Andrea Martiradonna The existing curtain wall has been entirely replaced and a fourth floor set back from the façade has been added to the three existing ones, offering an additional office space and a green terrace along part of the building's perimeter. © Andrea Martiradonna Mostly cha... More

Despite innumerable challenges and an ever-changing retail landscape, some entrepreneurs have managed to find hard-earned success. When small business owner James Mohaber decided to renovate his rug shop in a bustling Californian metro area, he wanted to create an image that reflected that triumph. He envisioned a storefront that demanded to be noticed, and ALPOLIC metal composite materials (MCM) helped him bring his vision to life.   Caption The original storefront of James Royce Rug Gallery did little to stand out among the neighborhood boutiques. The simple, gabled house design of the showroom appeared too washed out in the busy West Hollywood district. Shops along La Cienega Boulevard benefit from a consistently high volume o... More

Sometimes buildings need a facelift. When presented with a façade that needs more than just a fresh coat of paint, building owners have a potentially costly decision to make. In the case of One Palliser Square, the problem was more than cosmetic. The original precast concrete had started to fail. It needed a solution that could be installed efficiently to limit the disruption to the building’s occupants. It needed a solution that was flexible enough to meet the design intent of the architects and support renovations in energy efficiency. It needed ALPOLIC MCM. Gibbs Gage Architects One Palliser Square holds a significant place in Calgary’s diverse skyline. Set at the foot of the iconic Calgary Tower, the property is... More

The clients wanted to transform a 1922 farm into two houses. The existing farm house is being modernized. Simon Christiaanse Architecture designed a new house in the part that was originally used as a cowshed. The new house is realized with the addition of only a few walls. Facilities such as hall and toilet are grouped together, creating maximum room for a spacious open living space. On the first floor, a workspace has been created that rests on the original oak construction. The workspace is in connection with the living space, which provides special views. The open character of the house makes the house feel spacious and modern and the original oak construction stands out. The house is immersed in plenty of daylight. Skylights have be... More

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. La SerenissimaThis building, designed in 1962 for Campari firm by the Soncini brothers could have been considered modern and technologically advanced for its time. Actually, in the contemporary condition, many of its aspects had however proved to be costly and inefficient from an energy saving point... More

On the western edge of the City of Peterborough, an hour and a half east of Toronto, Fleming College’s Sutherland Campus was established in 1973 with a collection of buildings designed by Ron Thom in collaboration with Thompson Berwick and Pratt and Partners within a 200-acre, terraced, park-like setting. Almost 50 years later, the college commissioned Gow Hastings Architects to revitalize the outdated 76,000 sf A-Wing Building, which serves as the campus gateway and classroom facility. The challenge of the $13-Million CDN project was to transform the dark, heavy, and inefficient building into a contemporary one that meets the standards of 21st century learning and sustainability. Furthermore, the renovations needed to take place while the... More

The Engie headquarters project transformed an energy-inefficient 1980s building into a contemporary, LEED Platinum-certified property. More than a standard renovation, the project forms part of the broader effort to revitalize Milan’s Bicocca district. The building’s architecture was reconsidered and reshaped into a lighter, more articulated form, now including rooftop terraces that offer panoramic views. With adaptability as a central focus, the building features modular workspaces and open layouts that accommodate future changes in use. Its solid structural frame supports programmatic adjustments over time, helping to avoid unnecessary demolition. Architectural clarity, attention to working environments, environmental perfo... More

Refurbishment of Commercial Building, Gurgaon India Project Architect : Horizon design Studio Project Value – INR 80 lakhs The 4 storey building required a major renovation. The services had totally collapsed because of water ingress which affected the structure of the building. The renovation aimed at changing plumbing, electrical services, recasting of second floor roof slab, relaying of staircase as well as reinforcing of structure. The renovated building has new facade as balcony and louvers were added to protect from western Sun. Full height windows were provided on rear back (North) side. Light ( Grey ) color railing and louvers provide subtle contrast to the white building. Natural rough limestone cladding provides ple... More

The building known as “Palazzo Campari” was designed in the 1960s by Ermenegildo and Eugenio Soncini in the heart of Milan and was one of a series of buildings that emerged during the economic boom years, representing a new aspect of corporate identity for Italian industry. It was originally characterised by the burnished colour of the metal structure of the facade, tinted glass of the curtain walling and the brown metallic paint used for the smaller block in via Cavalieri given over to residential use. When it was built, it was considered to be modern and technologically advanced, even experimental. Today however, many of its undeniably attractive aspects have become outdated with regards to current standards of building construction. For... More