The interview with engineer Cavallaro for the redevelopment in via dei Gracchi in Milan
We examine an important intervention carried out for the recovery of a residential building with a focus on energy upgrading
The effectiveness of renovating homes built in the post-war period has been a current priority for years. In this scenario, alongside the necessary maintenance operations, energy efficiency represents a primary objective, requiring innovative solutions for a sustainable living.
In this interview, we focused on a emblematic example of this approach through the work of Eng. Cavallaro with the intervention carried out in via dei Gracchi in Milan. We discussed the transformation of the envelope, the use of durable materials, the surprising thermal improvements obtained and the evident impact that a smart design can have.
How did the project idea evolve, starting from the initial needs of the client?
I found myself halfway through this project, in the sense that a study had already been done 10 years earlier. I was told right away: “We want to make a ventilated façade”. I like ventilated façades, so I didn't have to sweat to convince them of the benefits of the system.
How did you come to the choice of using ceramics for the surfaces?
In the original project a stone, granite, was planned. However, since ceramics can offer so many possibilities... the stone effect, the wood effect, the metal effect, and many others, I have suggested ceramics. Lightweight aggregate panels had also been proposed, but it was easy to convince everyone on porcelain stoneware because it is a durable material.
How was the choice of colours and finishes used? In this case the Cerdisa EC1 series, in two colours and a structured finish.
In fact, the other reason for confirmation was precisely the aesthetic variability. When we still hadn't chosen the type of tile, I asked for some samples to view. I liked the idea of the structured, and the two light and dark colours. We had a mock up made. The choice went on a dark smooth, combined with a light structured and a light smooth; the same colour, but different surfaces, as if they were 3 different tiles, giving a different light. The three materials designate different parts, to enricha little more the façade. In particular the cutouts are smooth. In the end, I received emails saying “really congratulations”.
From a thermal point of view, have you noticed improvements?
Yes. It's the first thing we noticed, for the courtyard side apartments, during the winter; 10 cm of insulation plus the ventilated façade were placed. The inhabitants immediately told me that they found themselves with a much higher house temperature than usual. They immediately felt the difference. So, from a thermal point of view I must say that the system has rewarded a lot during the winter. Subsequently, during last summer when I asked for feedback from some of the inhabitants, I was told that the air conditioner was turned on less, and that the effect was felt, even though the construction site was not yet finished at the time.