The Iceberg project, located in the bustling city of Milan, represents one of the most recent and affscinating additions to contemporary Italian urban architecture, thanks to the visionary approach of architect Mario Cucinella. This project stands out not only for its unmistakable aesthetics but also for its eco-friendly features, particularly through the innovative design of its facades.
The Iceberg Project is a residential complex that is proposed as a new model of urban habitat, oriented toward sustainability and energy efficiency. The project's distinctiveness lies in its focus on the dynamics of interaction between the building and its surroundings, with a special emphasis on the facades, which are designed to be not only aesthetic elements but also functional for the building's energy self-sufficiency.
Structure and Composition of Facades
The facades of the Iceberg Project are the result of careful technological research and innovative design. They feature a multilayer structure that incorporates advanced materials and cutting-edge construction solutions. Their role is threefold: maximizing thermal insulation, optimizing the entry of natural light, and contributing to the production of renewable energy.
The choice of materials is aimed at ensuring optimal durability and insulation. High-performance glass, composite insulation panels, and laminated wood elements are just some of the elements that make up the facades, assembled in such a way as to reduce thermal bridges and improve the building's overall energy efficiency.
A key aspect of façade design is the integration of technologies aimed at reducing energy consumption and producing clean energy. Integrated photovoltaic panels and natural ventilation systems are examples of how the design takes advantage of the exterior surface to actively contribute to the building's energy balance.
Thus, facades are not only an aesthetic element, but also an environmental purification device, helping to reduce the building's impact on the land and improve air quality. This choice is part of a sustainable vision for the project, which also included the adoption of healthy and antibacterial materials for the interiors, the selection of low-impact furniture and sanitary fixtures, and the implementation of efficient and energy-efficient systems. As a result of these strategies, the Surgical and Urgent Care Hub will be the first hospital in Italy to be LEED Gold certified, an international recognition attesting to its excellence in environmental performance.
Facades also play a crucial role in managing the indoor microclimate, mitigating the effects of urban heat islands and providing environmental comfort within living spaces. The use of shading techniques, such as strategically placed sunshades and trees, helps reduce summer overheating, while the heat-storage capacity of facades contributes to maintaining stable indoor temperatures during the winter months.
The Iceberg Project in Milan, through the innovative design of its facades, represents a concrete example of how architecture can go beyond mere aesthetics and become an active factor in promoting sustainability and energy efficiency in urban areas. The approach adopted by Mario Cucinella reflects a vision in which buildings are no longer seen as isolated entities but as integral parts of a larger system, interacting dynamically with the environment and its inhabitants. The project, therefore, sets a new benchmark for the future development of sustainable and functional housing solutions in modern metropolises.
CUSTOMER
IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital
LOCALITY.
Milan
DESCRIPTION
Unitized facades
Stick System Facades
Sunshades
Coatings
sq. m. 20,000
DESIGNER
MCA Mario Cucinella Architects