Corten Steel Elevator Shaft

project classic in special execution

Corten Steel Elevator Shaft

‍Installation Location: Sassari
Status: Completed
Product: Project Classic in special execution

In the city of Sassari, near the main square, we built, under the direction of a renowned architectural firm, a special elevator made of corten steel and semi-transparent white glass, as well as the plugging of another elevator also made of corten steel. The goal was to integrate harmoniously with the historic host building.
We used the frame of a PROJECT CLASSIC structure, infilled with galvanized sheet metal to ensure watertightness, and applied corten steel and white glass overprinting. For the upper landing area, we also integrated a weather-protected area buffered with clear glass. All materials were machined with numerically controlled machines and installed before rust reached an advanced stage. The proximity to the sea favored rapid and uniform maturation of the rust patina.
The result, both functional and aesthetic, achieved excellent integration with the surrounding environment.

Our company was approached to carry out this ambitious project. From the first meeting with the architects, we understood the importance of an integrated solution that could harmonize with the fine building located in the central area of Sassari. In close cooperation with the contracted architectural firm, we executed a custom preliminary design that highlighted specific information about materials and their arrangements.

The elevator had to be capable of efficiently transporting people between floors of the historic building, complying with regulations for public buildings and also providing a landing on the top floor terrace, which had to be protected from the elements. The main challenge was to maintain a coordinated aesthetic with the historically valuable building and the general architecture of the area, using materials that could take on a lived-in look, such as corten steel. After some technical and aesthetic evaluations, we developed a design that involved the use of the standard frame of a Project Classic structure with functional galvanized sheet metal infill to ensure watertightness, and corten steel and white glass overprinting with an aesthetic function.

The design process required close collaboration, with 3D drawings and renders being submitted to allow simulated placements and evaluate the integration of colors and added volumes. Every aspect was meticulously studied to respect the determined stylistic choice, trying to hide from view all functional elements that would compromise the design, keeping only the distinctive and coordinated elements that would enrich the environment.

The complexity of the project resided in the integration of structures and materials with a valuable historic building. By using corten steel, we were able to create a series of volumes that fit together perfectly, enhancing the aesthetic quality. In the functional substructures, on the other hand, we used galvanized sheet metal paneling to ensure the watertightness of the elevator shaft.

The installation of the structures began with the laying of load-bearing structures and verification of alignments. The load-bearing components were transported and assembled on site using scaffolding and hoists. Precision was critical to ensure the seamless integration of all these structures with the surrounding architecture. An upper landing area, protected from the weather and buffered with clear glass, was integrated to further improve accessibility and protection from the elements. In the installation stages, the corten steel had not yet matured, so the appearance lacked the characteristic appearance imparted by the surface rust patina.

The proximity to the sea promoted rapid and uniform curing of the rust patina on the corten steel, giving the elevator a distinctive and harmonious appearance. The renovation has made the environment very welcoming and functional, improving operational efficiency and architectural context. The implementation not only met the technical requirements, but added a touch of sophistication through proper integration.

This project demonstrated our ability to create customized solutions, including the use of special materials and processing, that meet the specific needs of our clients while respecting the aesthetics and historic environment in which we operate.

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