SPG

The structure of the SPG office complex consists primarily of a skeleton of reinforced concrete pillars and slabs made, used to hang prefabricated cells that form the external curtain wall system.

The individual cells create a double skin façade system that allows for the natural ventilation of the building envelope, while also serving as a solar shading device. The perimeter ventilation system was combined with an internal system of forced ventilation to reduce the quantity of energy consumed by the building.

The subdivision of the façade into prefabricated modules, aligned at each floor along a horizontal band, ensures the flexible arrangement of internal partitions and makes it possible to place a wall every 1.5 meters. The external etched glass panels serve as a brise soleil that also ensures transparency and views.

The abstract composition of the printed glass blades frames “photograms” offering unique views over the city.

Moreover, the glass blades, combine internal and external reflections to become a multiplier of points of view and colours they reflect.
Particular attention has been dedicated to the design of night-time lighting; beams of white light are projected between couples of blades to define a glowing barcode.

CREDITS

• Architectural Design: Giovanni Vaccarini Architetti

• Project Team:
  Giovanni Vaccarini
  Francesca Di Giannantonio
  Alice Cerigioni
  Luisa Di Blasio
  Ida Blasioli
  Anthony Bove
  Alfonso Di Felice
  Matteo Mucciante
  Daniele Silvestri
  Giuditta Maria Lelli

• Technical Director: Fossati Architects SA

• Structural Design: Wintsch & Cie

• Facade Engineering: BCS SA

• Facade Lighting Design: SIMOS

• Facade Contractor: Stahlbau Pilchler

• Client: Thierry Barbier-Mueller; SPG – Asset Development, Geneva, Switzerland

• Location: Route de Chêne 36, Geneva, Switzerland

• Photography:
  Adrien Buchet
  Alex Filz