‘spina 3’ by studio granma architetti associati, turin, italy conversion of an industrial space into residential image © emanuele zaniboni

turin-based practice studio granma architetti associati has proposed ‘spina 3’ a building located at the edge of an urban transformation area, in turin, italy. the project is a conversion of a commercial and industrial development into a predominantly residential dwelling. it involves the creation of wings with a depth that matches the new use, obtained by subtracting the empty volume while taking into account the structural grid of the structure.

for this purpose, the focus has been set on the creation of a large courtyard to bring fresh air and natural light inside the structure without altering the design pattern of the facades. currently, the existing building characterizes the urban landscape of its surroundings with a curve shaped corner. the increased height strengthens its role towards the public space of piazza baldissera, which is to be expanded while creating a view for this part of the city and the park.  

studio granma architetti associati: ruspa building the curve shaped corner image © emanuele zaniboni

the distribution system that is designed to serve a higher number of residential units. the project tries to minimize the interventions on the existing structure, limiting the additions to no more that three staircases while creating an internal system of footbridges that intersect on different levels inside the courtyard. the facade that lies on the corner has wrap around balconies, which enhance the distinctive curved shape of the building. the backdrop created by their railings is interrupted by a series of glass bow windows that are slightly protruding compared to the main alignment of the exterior. the glass curtain wall located on the ground floor is the only portion of the building that will remain dedicated to its previous function as a car dealership; in this way it compensates the height differences on the main road while dematerializing the connection between the edifice and the street. 

studio granma architetti associati: ruspa building model aerial view

studio granma architetti associati: ruspa building elevation

studio granma architetti associati: ruspa building elevation

studio granma architetti associati: ruspa building elevation

studio granma architetti associati: ruspa building section

studio granma architetti associati: ruspa building section

studio granma architetti associati: ruspa building level / 0

studio granma architetti associati: ruspa building level / 1

studio granma architetti associati: ruspa building site plan

studio granma architetti associati: ruspa building the old industrial building

project info:

location: torina, italy project: 2009-2010 program: commercial activity and residential units details: car dealership building type: renovation and new elevation of the old industrial building client: private site area: 2350m2 gross floor area: 5450m2 commercial: 1050 m2 residential: 4400 m2 parking: 1100 m2 structure: reinforced concrete and steel project team: marco bosio, cristina cordeschi, alessandra coscia, andrea geja, marco peiretti, patrizia vaccaro photography: studio granma render: emanuele zaniboni structural mechanical and electrical engineering: r.p.p.

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