Traverso-Vighy: Studio in Vicenza e Showroom in Sarego (VI)

For the design of the studio the reference was the “balloon frame” with particular attention paid to the control of the points in contact with the existing.
The principal physical connection between new and old occurs via a cylindrical shell in oxidised metal that contains the spiral staircase: an extraneous object that contaminates the existing building and leads to the inside of the new structure, of which it is part.

The designer’s working area on the upper floor is projected towards that precious space of autochthonous nature that is transformed from barrier to private space without discontinuity. The structure is mixed, laminated timber beams supported on profiled stainless steel columns, that support on a particularly minimal fixing the external walkway and internal mezzanine. There is total continuity between inside and outside on this level and also on the main floor where the internal space is extended on the external slab paved in wood.

The idea was to use few materials with a strong expressive aesthetic capacity and a sensible tactile presence: metals are stainless steel in all the areas where a high resistance to corrosion is required and rusted metal in the structures and finishes of the interior space. The cladding is in larch planks treated in various ways: planed for the interior, burnt and brushed in the spaces where the vapour of the sauna and shower is present and left rough sawn on the outside.

The volumes constructed successively respond to the need to create working spaces for the prototypes: the structural skeleton is in metal and is filled with salvaged brick. The suspended structure sits on four reinforced concrete bases that rise up from a pool of water, supplied by an existing artesian well. The sound of the water, that is poured back into the pool via sprinklers, isolate the place of work from the noise of the city traffic.

Designer's studio, Vicenza
Architects: traverso-vighy (Giovanni Traverso, Paola Vighy)
Construction: 2007

This building at Sarego is conceived as a protective “showcase” for the Spidi range. Natural light enters in a controlled manner through the roof, that is made from layers of different materials: a first layer of selective glass allows just 40% of visible radiation to penetrate, then a layer of opaline glass diffuses direct solar radiation and a system of screens in SPI allows the integration with fluorescent fittings.

For the integration with artificial light, lamps with different colour temperatures have been mixed together in such a way as to be able to best coincide with the tonality of natural light at various times of day.
The brightness inside is exalted by the use of a structural system designed in detail to be light and 'fluid' to response to the penetration of light. The materials used are deliberatley homogeneous and monochromatic.

The doors in steel are fixed with a minimal joint to the heavy prefabricated stucture in reinforced concrete: the tension and contrast between the two different construction systems brings out the lightness and qualities of the metal structure.

The showroom is also a lively and changeable space that is continually being reinterpreted and renewed. In order to do so, a number of solutions derived from the world of theatre have been adopted. The walls are cladded in fabric and can be customised like scenery, the floors are modular and raised enabling flexibility in terms of electrical, audio and data cabling.

Spidi Showroom, Sarego (VI)
Architects: traverso-vighy (Giovanni Traverso, Paola Vighy)
Structural engineering: G. Piccioli
Collaborators: A. Rizzotto, J. Taylor
Construction: 2006
Client: Spidi Sport
Contractor: Impresa De Grandi, Simeon Carpenterie