Milan’s new US Consulate celebrates Italian design

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.

Parade Ground — The design implements both modern and historic aspects of Italian architecture.

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.

Building Entrance — Historical aspects are featured in the design of 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

Now 46 years running, Building Design+Construction's 2022 Giants 400 Report rankings the largest architecture, engineering, and construction firms in the U.S. This year a record 519 AEC firms participated in BD+C's Giants 400 report. The final report includes more than 130 rankings across 25 building sectors and specialty categories.

Welding Booths at the Portland Community College Training Center photo courtesy Mortenson Construction

Education Facilities | Feb 17, 2022

Community colleges build new centers for advanced manufacturing training

Portland Community College joins a growing list of community colleges building advanced training facilities to help close the skills gap in manufacturing.

Cherokee Adult Detention Center exterior

Government Buildings | Feb 16, 2022

Cherokee County Detention Center renovation completes

CROFT designed the project.

| Feb 16, 2022

The California Air Resources Board Southern California headquarters is the first net zero energy facility of its kind

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) Southern California headquarters has been completed in Riverside, Calif. The 403,306-sf is the largest vehicle emissions testing facility in the world and the largest net-zero facility of its kind.