Header: Federico Covre
Located in Milan, Italy, this ambitious restoration project, led by Botticini + Facchinelli ARW, transformed a historic Pirelli complex into a modern office space, preserving its legacy while adapting it to current needs.
Testi 223, the BLT Built Design Award in Architectural Design – Restoration and Renovation winner, demonstrates how architecture can merge historical significance with modern functionality while incorporating sustainability and innovation.
A new life for the historic 1950s building
The original complex, built in the 1950s, was designed as a school workshop for the children of Pirelli employees. It consisted of two main components: a classroom building and a factory with a brick structure and a metal shed roof. Over the years, the building underwent several modifications, especially in the 1990s, which largely erased its original character. The challenge was clear: transforming this once-abandoned complex into functional office spaces without losing its historical essence.
Preserving the industrial aesthetic
The Testi 223 project succeeds in this by carefully restoring and enhancing the existing structure, reconfiguring it into a layout that harmonizes with the surrounding environment. The classroom building turned into office spaces is perfectly aligned with the brick factory. In contrast, a portion of the connecting building was demolished to emphasize the courtyard facing Viale Fulvio Testi. The intervention focused on maintaining the building’s industrial character, with minimal alterations to its typology and constructive elements.
One of the most striking aspects of the design is the new metal facade, which pays homage to the original partitioning and proportions of the building. This new addition, painted in a matte brick-red color, contrasts beautifully with the preserved brick structure of the former factory, now updated for energy efficiency through modifications to its windows and roof. The careful balance between the existing and new elements ensures the building maintains its industrial aesthetic while being rejuvenated for modern use.
Importance of sustainability
Sustainability was a key consideration for the design team. Testi 223 achieved LEED® Gold and WiredScored certifications by incorporating energy-efficient systems, sustainable construction practices, and material selections that minimize the carbon footprint of the building. The restoration also includes strategies to reduce both embodied and operational carbon footprints, reflecting a commitment to environmental responsibility.
The renovation of Testi 223 reaffirms the historical value of the Pirelli complex but also serves as a model for adaptive reuse in contemporary architecture. By embracing the original structural qualities and enhancing them with a modern touch, the design team has created a dynamic space that successfully connects the industrial heritage with the needs of today’s office spaces.
Project info
Design Company: Botticini + Facchinelli ARW
Lead Designer: Arch. Camillo Botticini, Arch. Matteo Facchinelli
Design Team: Arch. Paola Bettinsoli, Arch. Maddalena Gatti, Arch. Alessandra Rugger, Arch. Liliya Kachanyuk, Arch. Laura Avarello
Architecture Firm: Botticini + Facchinelli ARW
Construction Company: CEV S.p.A.
Photo Credit: Federico Covre
Project Location: Milan, Italy
Client: Kryalos SGR S.p.A.
Project Date: July 2023