In Milan, Italy, the new U.S. Consulate General broke ground on April 6. Managed by Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO), a U.S. government agency that directs overseas builds, the 10-acre campus will feature a new Consulate building, as well as the restoration of the site’s historic Liberty Building and reconstruction of a pavilion on the 80,000-square-foot parade ground. Designed by SHoP Architects and constructed by Caddell Construction Company, LLC, the project is scheduled for completion in 2025.
Overall, the design celebrates Italian architecture, using both modern and historic methods and materials. With digitally processed and fabricated stone panels in a warm cream color, the facade will reference the buildings at the historic center and piazzas of Milan and other Italian cities.
Inside, a large, double-curved stairwell will serve as the main circulation method leading from the reception area to the gallery above, a triple-height space with panoramic site views. Consular booths, lined in sound-absorbing velvet panels with Italian green marble wainscotting, will create a sense of security and privacy.
Milan US Consulate building will feature advanced green technologies
The project will require almost zero heating energy from hydrocarbon fuels. A ground-source system will provide the heating and cooling services, with processed water stored for site irrigation or reinjected to the ground water aquifer. This geothermal system will be “open loop,” common practice in Milan but a first for the OBO.
Solar and ground-sourced heat—geothermal energy coupled with photovoltaic panel arrays—will combine with a variety of water and energy conservation methods to save 43% of annual energy costs. The efficient building envelope (with a window-to-wall ratio of 25%) will prevent heat gain while allowing in daylight.
Owner-developer: Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO)
Design architect and architect of record: SHoP Architects
MEP engineer: Mason & Hanger
Structural engineer: Thornton Tomasetti
General contractor/construction manager: Caddell Construction Company, LLC
Related Stories
Government Buildings | Dec 1, 2016
Unlocking innovation in the government workplace
Government work settings ranked the lowest in their effectiveness across the four work modes: focus (individual) work, collaboration, socializing (informal gathering that fosters trust and teamwork) and learning.
| Sep 1, 2016
COURTHOUSE GIANTS: A ranking of the nation's top courthouse design and construction firms
DLR Group, NBBJ, Hensel Phelps, Sundt Construction, AECOM, and Dewberry top Building Design+Construction’s annual ranking of the nation’s largest courthouse sector AEC firms, as reported in the 2016 Giants 300 Report.
Cultural Facilities | Aug 27, 2016
Yellowstone Park Foundation receives $1 million donation from Toyota
The money will support new eco-friendly and efficient buildings on the park’s Youth Campus.
| Aug 18, 2016
LOCAL GOVERNMENT GIANTS: A ranking of the nation’s top design and construction firms in local sector work
HOK, Stantec, Turner Construction Co.,Clark Group, AECOM and STV top Building Design+Construction’s annual rankings of the nation’s largest local government sector AEC firms, as reported in the 2016 Giants 300 Report.
| Aug 18, 2016
STATE GOVERNMENT GIANTS: A ranking of the nation’s top design and construction firms in state sector work
CannonDesign, Stantec, Turner Construction Co.,Mortensen Construction, WSP | Parsons Brinckerhoff and AECOM top Building Design+Construction’s annual rankings of the nation’s largest state government sector AEC firms, as reported in the 2016 Giants 300 Report.
| Aug 18, 2016
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GIANTS: A ranking of the nation’s top design and construction firms in federal sector work
Page, EYP, Fluor Corp.,BL Harbert International, and AECOM top Building Design+Construction’s annual rankings of the nation’s largest federal government sector AEC firms, as reported in the 2016 Giants 300 Report.
| Aug 15, 2016
MILITARY GIANTS: Cross-laminated timber construction gets a salute from the Army
By privatizing the construction, renovation, operation, maintenance, and ownership of its hotels the Army expects to cut a 20-year timetable for repairs and replacement of its lodging down to eight years.
| Aug 15, 2016
Top 40 Military Engineering Firms
Jacobs, AECOM, and Burns & McDonnell top Building Design+Construction’s annual ranking of the nation’s largest military sector construction and construction management firms, as reported in the 2016 Giants 300 Report.
| Aug 15, 2016
Top 40 Military Construction Firms
Fluor Corp., The Walsh Group, and Hensel Phelps top Building Design+Construction’s annual ranking of the nation’s largest military sector construction and construction management firms, as reported in the 2016 Giants 300 Report.
Sponsored | Glass and Glazing | Jun 20, 2016
Fire resistive blast and ballistic glass walls in high security facilities
For federal courthouses, embassies, government facilities and other high profile buildings, building materials are chosen based on their ability to mitigate or minimize the injuries and fatalities to occupants during an attack.
