How to blend industrial architecture into the landscape? The creators of the firm GEZA Architettura tried to answer: they designed the new production and design headquarters of Furla – the historical leather goods and fashion accessory brand – in Tavarnelle Val di Pesa, in the province of Florence.
The new Furla Progetto Italia research, production and experimental hub was built with a holistic approach aiming to minimise the impact of industry on the surrounding area, both through its architectural structure and using renewable energy sources.
The 42,000 m2, of which 18,300 buildings, are the result of an integration between the harmony of the natural landscape – with its views of the hills, ancient hamlets and small farm estates – and the buildings: this respects the lay of the land while large spaces run around and between the three buildings – the offices, the laboratories and the warehouse.
Nature overcomes the boundaries between the inside and outside with a system of patios and green roofs with a view over the woods and particular attention was paid to the flooring, with layering and insulation to optimise structural performance.
In particular, the collection Fjord of Fiandre Architectural Surfaces (Iris Ceramica Group’s brand) was chosen for the offices and the production areas, laid using traditional gluing techniques as well as on a 30 mm calcium sulphate raised floor, both by Granitech.
This large format porcelain stoneware collection is inspired by the enigmatic charm of the lands of the North, where the thin ton-sur-ton grains enhance the different colour shades, reminiscent of the pale stone surfaces created by time and the primordial forces of nature.
Extremely versatile material for both outdoor and indoor use, it is available in the colours White Fjord, Sand Fjord, Dusty Fjord e Black Fjord in sizes Maximum 300×100, 150×100, 100×100 cm, 6 mm thick, and in 7 colours in the traditional sizes 120×60, 60×60 and 60×30 cm 0.8 and 1,1 cm thick in both semi-polished and textured finish. The shades Dusty Fjord, Grey Fjord and Sand Fjord are also available in 2 cm thickness, suited for all types of external environments. Excellent non-slip surface with static or dynamic friction coefficient.
Finally, Fiandre Maximum surfaces are made using at least 40% of recycled material and meet the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) requirements, in tune with the sustainability of the whole building.
