Fondazione Officine Saffi

The Fondazione Officine Saffi is a private, non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting new research and experimentation in the field of contemporary ceramics at an international level.
In 2024, the Foundation moved to new premises in Milan’s Chinatown district, where 600 square metres now house an exhibition gallery, storage area, archive, offices, an educational workshop and a production workshop equipped with electric kilns, as well as a break area and guest accommodation.

Scope of the project

Nca Engineering was commissioned to carry out the detailed mechanical and electrical engineering design, construction supervision and commissioning, in coordination with the architectural design by Paloma Architects.

Highlights

The varied nature of the spaces to be served, which also feature specific interior design elements, required tailored technical solutions to meet the diverse requirements for air conditioning, lighting and specialised installations.
This resulted in a wide range of systems capable of harmonising technical functionality with architectural aesthetics, including through bespoke concealment solutions.
For some areas, the project included a type A heat pump air-conditioning system, fitted with ducted units in the false ceiling with high-induction diffusers for the exhibition areas, storage rooms and archive, whilst the production areas, laboratories and break area were fitted with units featuring high-induction micro-perforated ducts.
For the offices and guest quarters, traditional independent heat pump systems were provided; in addition, air renewal systems were provided via heat recovery units and the associated air distribution.
The lighting system, which is also specific and tailored to each room, features the widespread use of LED systems with KNX home automation capable of creating different lighting scenarios depending on how the spaces are used.
The building services were completed with fire detection, security and data systems.