New OPEM Spa plant

Parma - Italy
Edilab srl - Ing. Glauco Bufo, Arch. Alberto Zanoletti, Arch. Amedeo Zilioli - Edilizia pubblica e dei servizi, Edilizia industriale

Pietra Basaltina Active fiammata 120x60 cm : 1575 mq (ca.)

The revaluation of the company's image started from an analysis of the corner solution, which is the principal point of presentation of the building for someone approaching it. This point is given value by means of its volumetric articulation and the positioning of the most representative functions of the plant: the main entrance, the management offices and the conference room. Another element which highlights the corner area is the wide cantilevered awning overhanging the entrance, which mediates between the interior and exterior of the building, providing an intermediate space, open on 3 sides, which leads into the large entrance hall, characterised by the upwards expansion of the space and emphasised by the transparent lift shaft with its enveloping spiral staircase.

The offices are located in a corner of the building dedicated to production. The aim is to formally and materially distinguish the two sections: the plant has a simple volumetric configuration, while the office building has a much greater spatial and volumetric articulation, and more detailed finishing of its facades. The external finishing materials participate in this concept of joining the two sections of the plant: the material and colours of the grey granules of the prefabricated panels were chosen to coordinate with the covering of the office building in flamed Pietra Basaltina porcelain stoneware slabs. Active was chosen to give an ecological coherence to the design, which is very attentive to energy savings, both passive (curtain wall, insulation, high performance window sets) and active (solar panels, heating/conditioning)