Sustainable 3M Headquarters building

Sustainable 3M Headquarters building 

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Italian based architecture, Mario Cucinella Architects have finished the new 3M headquarters building located in east Milan. With 10,300 m2, 3M Headquarters building is the first to be built on the site as part of a master-plan completed by MCA in 2005. A linear building, 105m long and 21m wide, it has a terraced form stepping down from five to two storeys. Covering some 700,000 sq m, the whole area comprises residential, services and office buildings set amidst 80,000 sq m of landscaped greenery.

The south face of the building steps creating a series of terraces that provide shaded outdoor space for the office workers. The terraces act as an environmental buffer space that protecting the building from climate extremes in both summer and winter.. The balance between active and passive systems, a building envelope that is an integral part of the plant and services system, the use of renewable and natural vegetation to help maintain the building’s micro-climate are just a few examples of the measurestaken to ensure comfort zone conditions yet contain annual energy costs and harmful emissions.

The high thermal performance glazed façades on the east and west elevations are further protected by a sun-shading system comprising a series of different-length box-shaped aluminium profiles. This horizontal screen gives the building a high-tech yet evanescent appearance.

On the more exposed south side, a series of shaded terraces provide an effective protective barrier against extremes of heat or cold. They also form a welcome, shaded outdoor area for occupants even during the hottest months. Two internal courts with climbing plants further contribute to creating a comfortable micro-climate, helping to keep interior work areas at optimal temperature and humidity. Cold-beam air conditioning guarantees excellent comfort zone temperatures. The system is lodged in false ceilings thereby ensuring interior layout flexibility. Photovoltaics integrated into the roof use solar energy to ensure further energy savings.