ELASTICOfarm completes new national institute of nuclear physics in turin, italy
shaped by superimposing panels of different colors, the new headquarters reveals a semi-industrial building with deconstructed volumes.
s-lab by ELASTICOfarm is a semi-industrial building with deconstructed volumes
assembled by superimposing panels of different colors, the new headquarters of the national institute of nuclear physics in turin, italy – named S-LAB – appears as a semi-industrial building with deconstructed volumes. italian firm ELASTICOfarm completed the architecture’s unique forms by reinterpreting the warehouse typology through an unconventional structural solution.
as such, the final design reveals concrete panels that extend beyond the building’s outline to establish a dynamic relationship with the surroundings. some panels even conceal a message that reveals itself only under certain air humidity conditions — a subtle nod to scientific innovation and experimentation being carried out by the institute. the new complex is part of the national research council area, surrounded by trees and neighboring sports facilities.
an unconventional spatial arrangement that responds to different programs
beside their visual appeal and symbolic value, the deconstructed volumes created by the protruding panels also articulate spatial diversity. in other words, the different block heights and compositions respond to various programs accommodated within the institute — from a large mechanical shop hall to compact laboratories, offices, and service areas. according to the ELASTICOfarm team, this arrangement helps mitigate the impact of the new headquarters on the existing building.
the architects have also endowed S-LAB with spaces that foster creativity, community, and leisure. these spaces feature a tree-lined walkway, an entrance courtyard, a patio, and a green area to the south — all complementing the institute’s mechanical functions.
in addition to S-LAB, ELASTICOfarm has recently completed a mixed-use residential and commercial building in lido di jesolo, near venice, italy. an exuberant and uncompromising urban intervention, with which the studio has once again proven its ability to push the architectural solution beyond the boundaries dictated by conventions and conformism.
project info:
name: S-LAB / istituto nazionale di fisica nucleare (INFN)
client: istituto nazionale di fisica nucleare (INFN)
location: turin, italy
site area: 7,500 sqm
total floor area: 1,776 sqm
architecture: ELASTICOfarm
team: stefano pujatti, alberto del maschio, valeria brero, serena nano, daniele almondo, andrea rosada, monica ierace
structural engineering: arching srl
mechanical engineering: projema
construction: ruscalla renato S.p.A
prefabrication: alciati srl
installations: paolin impianti srl
photography: anna positano, gaia cambiaggi
