Porcelain stone from Fiandre was used in the De Castillia 23 project; the design is part of the overarching aim of redeveloping the Garibaldi-Repubblica neighbourhood. The existing building was left unfinished for 15 years, posing a challenge to give it a lease of new life.
The project was designed and created using the BIM process, allowing the Milan integrated design studio to increase the structure's functionality, energy performance and overall efficiency.
Porcelain Stoneware Application
For the external facade, Progetto CMR wanted to create a dark and light contrast by using a lighter background. Fiandre's ACTIVE SURFACES® was selected to achieve this.
The specific products chosen were: Core Shade in Cloudy Core Active and Sharp Core Active. The architects chose the porcelain ceramic surfaces for the facades, balcony, flooring, and external areas due to both the aesthetic finish and high performance of the materials. The variety of finishes to choose from according to a specific application offers clear advantages in terms of practical benefits such as anti-slip and ease of cleaning.
The Fjord collection in Dusty was selected from Fiandre for the building's bathroom tiling, due to its anti-slip and easy-clean properties.
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| Sharp | Core | Cloudy | Core | Dusty | Fjord |
Granitech Ventilated Facade System
The Granitech ventilated facade system was used to install the porcelain ceramic surfaces of the facade, using visible anchoring brackets. Natural ventilation is created through an air chamber between the structure and cladding. This removes heat moisture and thermal bridges. The result is increased human comfort, and energy efficiency and increases the lifespan of the external facade by keeping elements dry.
Other advantages of the Granitech system include removing the risk of cladding cracking or detaching from walls due to delamination, as well as protecting the actual structure from weather damage.
Installation
| The Fiandre ceramics were installed with attention to detail. Corners were shaped with 45-degree angles for all edge pieces on the building and different finishes. The facade system concealed all downpipes. The 120x60 cm slab format was selected after analyzing the designed installation patterns for the facade. This ensured the cutting of the slabs was optimized for minimal waste. |  |
Sustainability
De Castillia 23 was also designed with sustainable architecture in mind. One of the many informed choices to achieve this was the specific choice of porcelain ceramic surface. By selecting the specific recyclable material, the planet's resources are not eroded, and by selecting Fiandre as a company, the architects knew all production waste would be returned back into the manufacturing process.
ACTIVE SURFACES®
Selecting Fiandre's Cloudy Core Active and Sharp Core Active surfaces offers eco-active technology. The ceramic surfaces are photocatalytic, self-cleaning, antibacterial, anti-polluting and anti-odor. This is due to treating the surfaces with titanium dioxide (TiO2) and silver to enhance and improve bactericidal performance, 24 hours a day, even in the dark.
The oxidation reaction occurs in the presence of natural humidity and natural or artificial light. This reaction degrades organic and inorganic contaminants in contact with the surface. The benefits of the technology improve the human well-being for all occupants.
