##Unicredit Tower, Italy

The Unicredit Tower is a skyscraper in Milan, Italy. At 231 meters, it is the tallest building in Italy. The impressive glass facade required a sustainable solution to control solar energy and its impact on the temperature inside the building. THE BUILDING The building was designed by architect Cesar Pelli and was topped out on 15 October 2011, with the attachment of its spire. The building serves as the new headquarters of UniCredit Bank. The Unicredit Tower is part of a larger development of new residential and business structures in Milan’s Porta Nuova district, near Porta Garibaldi railway station. The tower is ranked eighth in the Emporis 2012, that awards skyscrapers for excellence in their aesthetic and functional design (source Wikipedia). THE REQUIREMENT The UniCredit Tower, designed by Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, is part of the redevelopment of the Porta Nuova-Garibaldi area to create the Milan Business Centre. The complex has a LEED Gold certification. The Towers are characterised by the curved mature of the reflective glazing that plays with the light, creating interesting dynamics between the towers and the surrounding buildings. The glass facade however, poses a challenge regarding energy efficiency. THE SOLUTION To optimise energy efficiency, all offices and meeting rooms have internal roller blinds with Verosol 802 SilverScreen Enviro fabric in colour 0000. This metallised screen is highly reflective and 100% recyclable, with Oke-Tex, Cradle to Cradle and Greenguard certifications. Photography: