Italian headquarters blends industrial with nature
The new Furla Headquarters in Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, Florence demonstrates industrial modern architecture can blend right into nature. The project explores one theme above others: integration of industrial architecture into the rustic Italian landscape in order to rethink the quality of a workspace.
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“Architecture and nature are perfectly blended along all directions to create a unique element where the design and the Chianti landscape (defined by hills, heritage, and agricultural areas) communicate harmoniously,” the designers said.
Related: Check out the first LEED Platinum V4 Building in Italy
Moreover, the Furla factory covers 42,000 square meters of soil and 18,300 square meters of built space. It is comprised of three main spaces. One is used for offices and two for labs and logistics. These are designed to be harmoniously integrated into the surrounding landscape, without much contrast.
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Therefore, this is defined by the driveway, terraces and Piazza Furla as distinct areas around the buildings. Meanwhile, patios and green roofs look out from the buildings over a wooded area. This allows nature to “[cross] the boundaries between inside and outside,” designers explained.
“The main entrance recalls the archetype of Tuscan villa access: a linear row of cypresses welcoming visitors and showing the way through,” they said. “This rhythm is replicated on the façade of the buildings with sunscreen filtering blades.”
Furthermore, the interiors were designed for layout flexibility. Rows of offices are interspersed with green patios and meeting spaces to congregate.
For this purpose, best practices were followed for energy use in the space as well. We love the stepped terraces of the green roof and the use of solar on the roof in spaces where it’s not walkable. This results in a usable and pleasant place to relax while also restoring a bit of habitat for biodiversity on site. We look forward to the greening of more company headquarters and industrial spaces like this one.
We would expect nothing less from industrial and landscape design house GEZA Architettura. Their work values both sustainability, beauty and the human experience of the spaces we inhabit. GEZA also works with clients like Bosch and Faber Industries in the industrial space to rethink the future of the places where we work.