Innovative Office Building Renovation and Extension in Mestrino, Italy by Studio Alvise Stramare

Location: Mestrino, Italy Architects: Studio Alvise Stramare Project Area: 2700 m² Completion Year: 2022 Photography: Federico Farinatti, Studio Alvise Stramare

Sustainable Office Building Design: Renovation Meets Modern Extension

Studio Alvise Stramare’s latest office project in Mestrino, Italy, is a remarkable example of sustainable architectural renovation combined with innovative extension design. Tasked with renovating a 1960s office building and seamlessly integrating a new extension, the architects faced the challenge of merging the old structure with the new while respecting strict zoning volume limits. Instead of opting for a completely new construction, this project embraced adaptive reuse to meet ambitious sustainability goals, emphasizing environmental responsibility and efficient material use.

Architectural Challenges and Design Strategy

The primary architectural challenge was to harmonize the original 60s building with the contemporary addition, creating a cohesive and functional office environment. The design process began by carefully analyzing the geometry dictated by the zoning codes versus the existing building volume to establish the building’s final form.

Focusing on the human aspect, the architects collaborated closely with the client’s HR team to understand employee work patterns and interactions. This research revealed a shift towards neutral office workspaces—a trend moving away from highly individualized spaces towards versatile environments accommodating diverse work styles.

Rather than zoning the office into distinct departmental areas, the 98-meter-long building was designed as a spatial gradient:

• Horizontally, from quiet zones to more active, noisy work areas.
• Vertically, from slow-paced to fast-moving work activities.

This innovative spatial layout balances between the typical American open-plan office and traditional segmented offices, offering employees flexibility to choose their preferred work environment based on daily needs for connection, privacy, or collaboration.

Efficient Execution and Construction Techniques

The construction was carefully phased to minimize disruption and maintain ongoing office operations. Initially, the existing building was structurally reinforced while a new metal frame was simultaneously erected around it. The two structures met in the middle, where a controlled dismantling of the old facade occurred, enabling continuous construction through winter.

Material sourcing was optimized for sustainability and efficiency. All metal components were procured from local suppliers within a 50 km radius, leveraging the region’s advanced metalworking industry. This local sourcing not only reduced the project’s carbon footprint but also allowed fabrication flexibility—parts were adapted and welded on-site at the client’s workshop, speeding up construction and fostering client collaboration.

Commitment to Sustainability and User-Centric Design

Sustainability is central to the project’s philosophy. The extensive use of recycled materials reflects an environmentally conscious approach. Beyond materials, the project’s human-centered design process involved future occupants at every stage, ensuring the office meets real user needs and promotes wellbeing.

Final Outcome: A Dynamic and Adaptable Workspace

The completed building is a carefully composed architecture of volumes and spatial objects, designed for maximum adaptability. The interiors feature a mix of communal tables, computer-free brainstorming zones, video-conference-friendly meeting rooms, and traditional workstation clusters. This variety empowers employees to tailor their workspace to the task and mood of the day.