Projects
Industrial architecture, offices, healthcare and housing. Here is the project that best represents the studio today; the full archive of our work is collected in the portfolio.
Gigafactory De Nora, Cernusco sul Naviglio
A new industrial landscape: Italy’s largest production hub for green hydrogen electrolysers, on the site of the former Rapisarda pipe factory on the outskirts of Milan.
The project draws on the tradition of the great industrial settlements that grew up along Lombardy’s waterways: the water of the Martesana canal once again drives the area’s development, and its molecules become clean energy. Essential volumes, light surfaces and a representative glazed front bring production, shared spaces and landscape into dialogue.
Following Adriano Olivetti’s model, the factory is conceived as a high-quality workplace and as a presence open to the city: trees and cycle and pedestrian paths tie it to the urban fabric of Cernusco, and the entrance hall tells the company’s story.
Renderings and photographs © SMC & Partners
Sustainable industrial architecture
- ClientDe Nora Italy Hydrogen Technologies, a joint venture between Industrie De Nora and Snam
- LocationCernusco sul Naviglio (Milan), former Rapisarda site
- Studio’s roleArchitectural design and site supervision
- SizeProduction complex of around 40,000 m², with fully underground parking
- Light and greenery15,000 m² of skylights and glazing, 6,000 m² of green roofs, garden with a natural pond
- EnergyPhotovoltaics on roofs and canopies, groundwater for heating and cooling
- MaterialsMaterial from the demolition of the old industrial site was recycled and used in the new building; façades with photocatalytic paints
- CityMetro line 300 metres away, cycle link to the Martesana canal towpath
The construction
From the demolition of the old plant to the foundations and the large prefabricated structures that organise the production spaces.
The project archive
All the studio’s other work is collected in the portfolio. Choose a sector to open it at the right page, or browse it in full.
Offices and commercialp. 10
Residentialp. 51
Healthcare facilitiesp. 78
Interiors and designp. 114
Building sitesp. 129
Plants and industryp. 141
184 pages · PDF 16 MB · in English
Browse the full portfolioDo you have a project in mind? Let’s talk.
For new commissions, technical consultancy and competition invitations, please write to the studio. We meet by appointment at Via Privata Perugia 8, Milan.