In Milan, Italy, the new U.S. Consulate General broke ground on April 6. Managed by Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO), a U.S. government agency that directs overseas builds, the 10-acre campus will feature a new Consulate building, as well as the restoration of the site’s historic Liberty Building and reconstruction of a pavilion on the 80,000-square-foot parade ground. Designed by SHoP Architects and constructed by Caddell Construction Company, LLC, the project is scheduled for completion in 2025.
Overall, the design celebrates Italian architecture, using both modern and historic methods and materials. With digitally processed and fabricated stone panels in a warm cream color, the facade will reference the buildings at the historic center and piazzas of Milan and other Italian cities.
Inside, a large, double-curved stairwell will serve as the main circulation method leading from the reception area to the gallery above, a triple-height space with panoramic site views. Consular booths, lined in sound-absorbing velvet panels with Italian green marble wainscotting, will create a sense of security and privacy.
Milan US Consulate building will feature advanced green technologies
The project will require almost zero heating energy from hydrocarbon fuels. A ground-source system will provide the heating and cooling services, with processed water stored for site irrigation or reinjected to the ground water aquifer. This geothermal system will be “open loop,” common practice in Milan but a first for the OBO.
Solar and ground-sourced heat—geothermal energy coupled with photovoltaic panel arrays—will combine with a variety of water and energy conservation methods to save 43% of annual energy costs. The efficient building envelope (with a window-to-wall ratio of 25%) will prevent heat gain while allowing in daylight.
Owner-developer: Overseas Buildings Operations (OBO)
Design architect and architect of record: SHoP Architects
MEP engineer: Mason & Hanger
Structural engineer: Thornton Tomasetti
General contractor/construction manager: Caddell Construction Company, LLC
Related Stories
Giants 400 | Dec 16, 2020
Download a PDF of all 2020 Giants 400 Rankings
This 70-page PDF features AEC firm rankings across 51 building sectors, disciplines, and specialty services.
Giants 400 | Dec 3, 2020
2020 Science & Technology Facilities Giants: Top architecture, engineering, and construction firms in the S+T sector
HDR, Jacobs, and Turner head BD+C's rankings of the nation's largest science and technology (S+T) facilities sector architecture, engineering, and construction firms, as reported in the 2020 Giants 400 Report.
Giants 400 | Dec 3, 2020
2020 Government Sector Giants: Top architecture, engineering, and construction firms in the U.S. government buildings sector
HNTB, Jacobs, and Turner top BD+C's rankings of the nation's largest government sector architecture, engineering, and construction firms, as reported in the 2020 Giants 400 Report.
Government Buildings | Nov 25, 2020
New Indiana Toll Road headquarters creates unified environment for staff
New LEED Gold facility consolidates operations for tollway authority.
Government Buildings | Nov 13, 2020
Tax shortfalls nip government projects in the bud
Federal contracts are proceeding, but states and cities are delaying, deferring, and looking for private investment.
AEC Tech | Nov 12, 2020
The Weekly show: Nvidia's Omniverse, AI for construction scheduling, COVID-19 signage
BD+C editors speak with experts from ALICE Technologies, Build Group, Hastings Architecture, Nvidia, and Woods Bagot on the November 12 episode of "The Weekly." The episode is available for viewing on demand.
Smart Buildings | Oct 26, 2020
World’s first smart building assessment and rating program released
The SPIRE Smart Building Program will help building owners and operators make better investment decisions, improve tenant satisfaction, and increase asset value.
Government Buildings | Sep 14, 2020
Latest addition to Fermilab campus about to begin construction
Lots of natural light and hybrid labs will distinguish the new Integrated Engineering Research Center.
Giants 400 | Aug 28, 2020
2020 Giants 400 Report: Ranking the nation's largest architecture, engineering, and construction firms
The 2020 Giants 400 Report features more than 130 rankings across 25 building sectors and specialty categories.
