CR2 Sinapsi Center
It all began with an idea – a family’s desire to create a space that would suit their son Orlando and other children living with complex conditions, from neuro-developmental disorders to rare genetic diseases. That vision gave rise to the CR2 Sinapsi recreation and rehabilitation center, founded by the Ruvoli family and the Occhi Azzurri Foundation, chaired by Filippo Ruvoli. The project design was led by Marco Imperadori, professor of Technological Innovation at the Politecnico di Milano, and realized through broad collaboration among experts, companies and academic institutions. Set in the heart of Cremona’s Morbasco Park, the center was built according to the principles of the New European Bauhaus: beauty, sustainability and community. But CR2 is more than just a rehabilitation center. It is also an after-school facility designed around the specific needs of young children, complete with therapy and rehab rooms, swimming pools, gyms, laboratories, an auditorium and a Snoezelen room for multi-sensory stimulation.
Functionality, a welcoming feel and sustainability were integral to every aspect of the project. Industrialized steel-based construction technologies were used for both the load-bearing structure and the building envelope. Isopan – a brand born from the joint venture between Manni Group and Marcegaglia – contributed key components to ensure high standards of energy efficiency, indoor comfort and a reduced environmental impact. The dry construction method ensured the entire project was completed in just 18 months. Specifically, the ADDWind ventilated façade system – using Isofire Roof sandwich panels with a Rockwool mineral wool core – was used for the building’s exterior façade, ensuring high levels of thermal and acoustic insulation as well as resistance to weathering. Esthetically, the system is complemented by Rockpanel Woods exterior cladding from Rockwool, a partner of Isopan.
For the roofing, the team opted for the GreenROOF system, developed by Isopan in collaboration with DAKU Italia.
The result is a living roof that helps maintain a comfortable indoor microclimate year-round while reducing the urban heat island effect. Integrated roof windows, combined with carefully designed cavity spaces, ensure abundant natural light throughout the interior. A combination of natural and controlled mechanical ventilation further improves interior comfort, while acoustic insulation contributes to creating a calm, welcoming environment for the children.
The CR2 Sinapsi center is a virtuous example of inclusive, technologically advanced architecture. Thanks to the commitment of the Occhi Azzurri Foundation and the contribution of Isopan, it offers children and young people a space that meets both therapeutic and recreational needs, while remaining harmoniously integrated into its natural surroundings. The end result is a project that shows how technology and design can seamlessly combine to improve quality of life.
MANNI GROUP
Via A. Righi, 7 – I – 37135 Verona
Tel. +39 045 8088911
E-mail: [email protected] – www.mannigroup.com