The South Tyrolean company Alperia is the third largest Italian energy provider, a leader in sustainability, named by the Financial Times among "Europe's Climate Leaders 2023," ranking first among Italian utilities and the only "carbon neutral" entity in our country's public services sector. The globally active group has several offices throughout South Tyrol.
In 2020, MARCO SETTE ARCHITECTURE won a competition to renovate the historic budiling of Alperia's headquarters in the Dodiciville district, including the facade and the interiors of the second floor, infusing sustainability and innovation into its design.
Inspired by the rhythmical movements of water and the silent hum of energy, the architecutural concept harmonises shadow, transparency and reflection, in every line and curve.
The building is situated within the historic Dodiciville district, renowned for the presence of Twelve Historic Villas and it is located less than half a kilometer from the city's center of Bolzano. The grand triple-glazed glass facade, reaching approximately 7 meters in height, is the architectural element that offers a visually captivating experience, reflecting the surrounding sky and nearby buildings. Depending on one's viewpoint, the facade provides different perspectives of the landscape, creating a dialogue between the modern structure and the adjacent historic buildings, which were built in the 19th century. The transparency of the glass facade further enhances this connection, blurring the boundaries between the external surroundings and the internal spaces.
All construction materials are natural, free of formaldehyde and VOCs, ensuring a healthier indoor environment. Recycled glass granules form sound-absorbing panels; fully recyclable glass walls promote sustainability.
The requalification of the building follows WELL standards to maximise comfort and well-being. The facade glazing with low emissivity offers excellent transmittance and solar radiation protection, eliminating the need for external blackout curtains. The ceiling heating/cooling system, integrated with ventilation, provides invisible air conditioning. The building is equipped with LED lighting, advanced electrical systems, and "SMART" solutions. The goal was to reach a harmonious "work-life balance" through intelligent design and technology, minimising energy consumption.
The architecture seamlessly blends transparency and reflection, embodying sustainability and eco-friendly principles through careful material and spatial considerations. At its core, the grandeur of the eleven-meter-high glass facade, with a single-piece seven-meter-high triple glass entrance, reflects the environmental commitment of the company.
Inside the building, the modern design effortlessly integrates with the surrounding environment by incorporating locally sourced wood and stone elements. Graphic elements such as forest prints on the boardroom glass-wall and relief sculptures in the bathrooms further enhance the connection to nature, fostering a serene and harmonious atmosphere. The flooring, composed of local blue-azure glass aggregates, pays homage to the surrounding Alpine lakes, evoking a sense of tranquility and connection to nature.
Sustainability is woven into the very fabric of the interiors, with a focus on locally sourced chestnut wood treated with natural products for furniture and walls. This commitment to eco-friendliness extends to a large screen, found in the presidential boardroom, seamlessly integrated into a wooden wall, offering both functionality and elegance through electric operation. The incorporation of cutting-edge electrical systems and "SMART" solutions underscores a dedication to creating a dynamic and sustainable work environment.
These innovative features, align with the company's sustainability goals and showcase architectural innovation towards an environmentally conscious future.
The project stands as a tribute to the local context, embodying sustainable harmony and eco-friendly design choices. With this open, mindful approach to aesthetics, functionality, and corporate sustainability, MARCO SETTE ARCHITECTURE inaugurates a new chapter for the company, showcasing that architectural innovation can coexist harmoniously with sustainability industrial purposes. - Arch. Marco Sette -
MARCO SETTE ARCHITECTURE was founded by architect Marco Sette in 2008 following experiences in Milan, Bolzano, and the USA. The studio stands out for its diversity of approach to architecture, combining various cultural backgrounds into a single platform of innovative architectural design. Its portfolio includes a variety of projects ranging from residential and workspace building, industrial design to sustainable architecture, interior design and wooden constructions. The studio has extensive experience working in multidisciplinary teams and executing projects both in Italy and abroad. Currently the studio is expanding, driven by the expertise and creative vision of its team.