AGC

Glass takes centre stage in Conad's new headquarters

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AGC Flat Glass Italia played a key role in the design of Sidera, the new headquarters of the CIA Conad Group on the outskirts of Forlì.

Since solid facades gave way to curtain walls in the mid-20th century, the design of fully glazed office buildings has proliferated in line with the technological innovations of modern architecture. This marked the beginning of a true "glass revolution" that has fundamentally changed the way we work.

For Sidera, located in a strategic industrial area with little architectural value, the architects at tissellistudioarchitetti designed a sophisticated structure that benefited from AGC Flat Glass Italia's expertise in glass technology. AGC played a key role in both the aesthetics and the energy performance of the building.

With a fully transparent façade covering 5,000 square metres, Sidera maximises the use of natural light. The triple glazing supplied by AGC, featuring Stopray Smart 51/33 solar control technology, creates bright, luminous interiors without compromising thermal comfort. This innovative glass, which can be annealed for standard applications or toughened, offers exceptional design flexibility while providing high energy efficiency and minimising heat loss.

Sidera's roof design is another outstanding feature. Its six sloping levels, accentuated by skylights, reinterpret traditional forms in a contemporary way, while echoing the peaks of the nearby Apennines. The use of bespoke solar control glass with a golden finish adds a touch of originality and makes the roof one of the most distinctive elements of the project.

Photo courtesy of tissellistudioarchitetti

In addition to glass, other materials such as black pigmented concrete and aluminium further define the building's character. The vertical aluminium fins, which together span 6 kilometres, create an evolving play of light and shadow, giving the building a dynamic, ever-changing appearance depending on the viewer's perspective.

In certain areas, the glass also allows glimpses of the building's interior, including a pseudo-helical staircase illuminated by the skylight above. The layout of the offices and meeting rooms further highlights the qualities of transparency and light that glass can bring to life, making Sidera a striking example of modern architectural innovation.

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