Via Orefici Milano

The upgrade project for an architectural feature dating back to the early 20th century in the centre of Milan, required dedicated interventions to improve the liveability and practical use of two buildings, now connected by a covered walkway on the second floor, created by Thema using a painted metal structure.
The designers, Barreca & La Varra chose to keep the central courtyard, using it to create a “double-sided” contemporary offshoot and a double-height area with a volumetrically complex steel and glass: the new cladding, made by Thema, is transparent and allows light through to the commercial ground floor; it is mirrored towards the upper floors, which are destined to office space, so as to multiply and reflect the historic façades overlooking it.

The upgrade and enhancement of the fifth floor has led to the opening of a new glazed balcony overlooking the courtyard, and created over the roof pitches, opening towards the sky. The perception of the building from the street has been made lighter by the glazed fronts, opened up to full height, using very slender frames – also on the floor above – with large panels. To preserve the historic image of the architectural style, the windows – some with arched fanlight, have been perfectly integrated into the façade.