Project description

 

A project centered around people, combining work life, integration with the surroundings, and a sense of community. An energy-efficient ‘Flying Carpet’ composed of 2,600 square meters of photovoltaic panels, making the building energy-independent. An open area of over 2,000 square meters transformed into an Agora, becoming an urban space for gathering and connecting previously separate city segments. This is the identity of Casa BFF, the new headquarters of the renowned financial group BFF, designed by OBR Open Building Research, aiming for LEED Platinum and WELL Gold certifications.

The design concept aims to create a system integrated with the surrounding environment, characterized by a large roof structure and an efficient, functional building with a wide variety of internal and external spaces (double-height Ground Floor, Mezzanine Floor, Bioclimatic Greenhouses, Panoramic Terrace, Penthouse, etc.). The main building’s distinctive feature is an extensive perimeter metal portico reaching a height of 40 meters above ground level, architecturally highlighted by a structural crown element named the Flying Carpet. The structural platform, measuring 57.5m x 44m in plan, supports the photovoltaic panels and is engineered with vertical supports consisting of 508mm diameter circular steel columns at the main points. Additionally, the architectural need to minimize the number of columns and streamline the floor structures required the integration of post-tensioning technology within the structural design strategy.

CEAS made use of its specialized BIM expertise and extensive experience in metal structures to ensure a holistic approach to the project. From the Geotechnical point of view, numerical simulation was conducted to assess the stress-strain effects on Metro5 tunnels beneath the new building (Lotto – Portello section), monitoring deformations by using clinometric transducers and interpreting results to validate computational models against empirical tests.