Italian Architect Alberto Apostoli signs the renovation of a building in which colors and details of the facade redefine the volume through a geometrical but refined language.

courtesy Studio Alberto Apostoli \ Photos by Tommaso Cassinis

The project starts from a building renovation from the 60's that was partially wrecked by the terrible earthquake that seriously damaged the old town of L'Aquila (the heart of Italy) in 2009.

This building is the first redevelopment of a block which includes four building in the design stage and in the implementation of which is expected in the next three years.

courtesy Studio Alberto Apostoli \ Photos by Tommaso Cassinis

The building is insulated in all four sides; it has no real façade, but it is rather a small tower in which all individual facades are of equal importance.

Such facades have been designed and deployed through small geometrical protrusions that are matched differently, but the colors are complementary and the openings are formed by projecting intrados.

courtesy Studio Alberto Apostoli \ Photos by Tommaso Cassinis

The realization of the projections occurs through the diversification of the thickness of the external insulation with a particular attention to the finish. The intrados, externally bordered in polished steel, contain the windows made in oak; some intrados also contain lighting fittings for "wall wash" effect.

The geometric and refined flow of the volumes creates, during the various hours of the day, slight variations which give an unexpected dynamic to the building.

courtesy Studio Alberto Apostoli \ Photos by Tommaso Cassinis

The architect describes the primary design goal:

I tried to create a volumetric movement through color, small ledges and contrasts of volumes; what interested me was to dematerialize the facades giving them personality and character. We have developed a system and the color palette to create these projections.

The building, owned by the Valentini Group and renovated by the same, is entirely used by the Province of L’Aquila as “Provincial Palace of Labour” and was inaugurated in the presence of the most important city authorities.

courtesy Studio Alberto Apostoli \ Photos by Tommaso Cassinis

The building has undergone a complete renovation work involving the structure which has been adapted to current seismic code (NTC 2008). This was possible reinforcing the horizontal (through duly armed anchored insoles), the beams and the nodes of the structural elements with carbon fibers and with epoxy resins, which have been glued directly on the structure, prior treatment of recovery of damaged surfaces.

Therefore, as a result, the building has also increased the performance requirements required by the regulations.

+ Project facts

Project: Palazzo Provinciale dell'Aquila
Location: L'Aquila, Italy
Completion year: 2013
Lot area: 1.200 sqm
Building area: 265 sqm for each floor (5 floors)
Project: Studio Alberto Apostoli
Photos: Tommaso Cassinis
Link: www.albertoapostoli.com

+ All images and drawings courtesy Studio Alberto Apostoli | photo by Tommaso Cassinis