Testi280 - Building renovation: one of the most efficient and flexible buildings

The project is part of the on-going transformation process of Milan Bicocca area into a prime tertiary district: "Fulvio Testi 280" is located in this northern area of Milan, once a peripheral and industrial area, since the 1980s it has been part of an important process of renewal and redevelopment making it one of the most dynamic business districts in Milan, demanded by international companies and well connected with the rest of the city. From urban outskirts, this area has been transformed into an important university, executive and artistic center. The construction of the new Milanese Metro line 5 has further improved accessibility, acting as a driver for investments also in the private sector.
The project is based on the original compositive features, identifying an innovative design solution with a system of external vertical brise soleil slats in recomposed wood that upgrades the image of the building making it more contemporary, natural, transparent and efficient from both users comfort point of view and energy consumption.
One of the main features of the redevelopment project is the new facade module allowing for maximum flexibility and efficiency of the interior space use with a variety of different layouts and new “agile” work scenarios.
The building, originally built in the ‘80s, covers approximately 22,000 gross square meters, on 7 floors above ground and two floors of underground garage. The redevelopment involved the original facades in gray alucobond with ribbon windows replaced with a new full-height triple-glazed transparent glass facade mounted on the slabs; new projecting and inclined metal string courses were mounted at each floor on the perimeter of the existing structure with a double function of deep sunshade and walkway support for future maintenance and external facades cleaning. Protection from solar radiation is guaranteed by an external system of tall, 100% recyclable composite wood in three different color shades mounted vertically on the new walkway element and calibrated with different angles and quantities on the west, south and east sides of the building. The mechanical systems have been completely updated with a 4-pipe mixed primary air / fan coil air conditioning / heating system with the addition of new heat pumps on the roof.
The building has obtained LEED Gold international sustainability certification, in line with the high standards of properties redevelopment managed by Generali Real Estate in Europe. The excellent size of the standard floor was also enhanced, making it one of the most efficient and flexible buildings from the point of view of space planning among those redeveloped in the Milan area.
The project also included the redevelopment of the common areas and the seventh floor for events, with a large brise soleil canopy and a large landscaped terrace that offers an exceptional view of the Pirelli area in transformation, the new skyline of Milan downtown and the mountains to the North.