INDUSTRIAL HUB is a project about the reuse of a building located in the industrial zone of Modica, Sicily. The project was commissioned by Teknogas s.r.l., one of the leading local companies in the trading and distribution of gaseous fuels and derived products. The project stemmed from the company’s need to establish its new corporate headquarters in the building facing the main plant.
The property is a two-story, rectangular-plan building directly facing the main road, while the rear borders an industrial shed used as a workshop.
The design strategy focused on lightening the ground-floor elevation by demolishing the infill walls. This highlighted the orthogonal concrete structure that rhythmically articulate the main facade.
On the upper floor, the design is defined by a new “skin” made of corrugated aluminum sheeting, anchored to the facade via a galvanized steel box-section frame. The aesthetic of a “container” supported by structural wall partitions is further enhanced by the folding sheet metal, which continuously extends into the ground floor interior.
The interplay between the void of the ground floor and the solid volume above underscores the architectural tension between material substance and lightness.
This metallic volume serves not only an aesthetic purpose but also addresses technical requirements. The ventilated cavity houses downspouts, gutters, sunshades, and various MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) components, while shading the large glass windows from direct sunlight to improve the building’s overall energy performance.
Regarding the internal layout:
- ground floor: houses a spacious central reception area for welcoming clients, a meeting room, a kitchen, and an administration office;
- first floor: dedicated to operational workspaces, partitioned by black aluminum and glass dividers that mirror the modularity of the window frames.
All mechanical systems on the first floor are left exposed to maintain an industrial aesthetic, whereas on the ground floor they are concealed within a metal sheet false ceiling. The flooring is finished in industrial polished concrete, complemented by smooth grey plaster on the walls.
The project is completed by technical and decorative lighting fixtures that seamlessly integrate with the designer furniture, such as aluminum desks and cast-iron frame sofas.
