Via F.lli Grimm 2 | Milan
The Context
The project site is located at Via F.lli Grimm 2, in the outskirts of Milan, on a plot previously occupied by an abandoned industrial building. The area, part of Milan’s peripheral urban fabric, had lost its original function over time. The decision to intervene was motivated by the state of neglect of the site, the regional regulatory framework, and the foresight of the client, CIESSECI S.r.l., who envisioned a modern residential redevelopment. The project was developed in collaboration with Arche’ Workshop.
Through careful demolition and reconstruction, the project transforms a disused industrial complex into a contemporary residential building. The result is a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, reflecting the evolving architectural identity of Milan’s outskirts. The construction was realized by the Mariani Company of Concorezzo, resulting in an elegant eight-story building with one underground level, dedicated to garages and storage rooms.
The Concept
The architectural concept of Residenza Grimm revolves around the interplay between solid and void, using brick as a primary material to create rhythm and texture on the façade. The design balances modernity and tradition, integrating materiality, spatial efficiency, and building system performance. Sustainability is a key consideration, with the roof housing a heating system composed of two absorption heat pumps and three condensing boilers, optimizing energy efficiency for the entire building.
The project emphasizes careful spatial planning, material selection, and craftsmanship. These aspects ensure that the building is not only functional but also aesthetically integrated with its urban surroundings. Large loggias, steel parapets, and terracotta sun-shading slats allow light to filter gently into the apartments, creating a dialogue between interior and exterior spaces while enhancing comfort and visual appeal.
The Project
Interior Design
The building entrance features a double-height hall framed by imposing brick columns, leading to the mezzanine level, where vertical circulation elements—stairs and two elevators—are enriched with refined wood paneling and custom seating. This level also includes communal spaces, such as a meeting room and bicycle/stroller storage, demonstrating a thoughtful approach to shared amenities.
The Spaces
At street level, the building offers two vehicular entrances, one on Via Grimm and one on Via Asturie, which connect to the underground and ground-level garages. A total of 24 private garages and storage rooms were created across two floors, with six garages on the ground floor and eighteen underground. Residential units occupy the upper floors, each enhanced by generous loggias and carefully oriented light penetration.
The Roof and Sustainability
The roof hosts the building’s energy systems, including absorption heat pumps and condensing boilers, highlighting a commitment to sustainable building operations. The terracotta and steel elements of the façades not only define the visual character of the building but also contribute to passive climate control, reducing heat gain and enhancing the comfort of residents.
Bioclimatic Design
A bioclimatic approach guides the project, with the combination of materials, orientation, and shading devices optimizing natural light and thermal comfort throughout the year. The building’s envelope mediates between Milan’s urban climate and the interior environment, providing an efficient, sustainable, and comfortable living experience.
Materiality and Façade
The interplay of brick solids and voids, paired with linear steel parapets and terracotta sun-shading slats, creates a visual rhythm and responds to environmental conditions. These design elements combine aesthetic refinement with functional performance, demonstrating an integration of architectural tradition and modern technolgy
