Boutique Marconi

The Precious 3D Façade of Boutique Marconi, a hospitality structure in Quartu Sant’Elena (Sardinia).

One-Off: Sculptural and multifunctional 3D adaptable claddings

One-Off is an exquisite collection of 12 3D textures designed to sculpturally and multifunctionally characterize vertical cladding surfaces, from facades to interior walls. The versatility and adaptability of each texture are determined by the feasibility of using various materials according to project needs. Moreover, these are not standard modular claddings applied and cut to size; instead, the pattern perfectly adapts to existing surfaces through 3D generation via a computational design procedure that customizes the texture based on the actual dimensions and configuration of the installation scenario. It’s a tailor-made garment designed as a seamless, expansive canvas.

Tailor-made cladding awarded with the Seal of Excellence

One-Off is a project honoured with the “Seal of Excellence” diploma within the SME Horizon 2020 program. The design of a One-Off surface begins with the survey and 3D reproduction of the environment or building in question, followed by the execution of generative code created by ALO’s design team. Initially, the system processes a pattern of primary geometric traces characteristic of the chosen texture. Then, the computational pattern is developed as three-dimensional surfaces, ensuring a unique, large-scale final result. The algorithm indeed excludes configurations already realized, guaranteeing each client a unique piece that wraps the building surfaces with a monolithic appearance, without visible joints, like a vast 3D painting.

The first 3D architectural insulation cladding made in Sardinia through robotic milling

TECTONIC.a_01 is a tangible example of the innovative path undertaken by the ALO team: it’s the first architectural coat made in Sardinia through robotic milling, equipped with integrated LED ambient lighting. It’s a product for cladding vertical surfaces designed and produced internally by ALO s.r.l., combining advanced technical and constructive solutions starting from a new architectural conception of building and insulation material, surpassing the purely utilitarian definition of thermal insulation.

Advanced technical solutions: energy efficiency, monolithic effect, invisible fixing, and integrated lighting

The One-Off textures offer not only a distinctive aesthetic but also refined technical-constructive solutions. For Boutique Marconi, the façade modules are fixed through gluing and disappearing dowels without post-installation finishing operations. The module decomposition is integrated into the overall design of the texture, emphasizing the monolithic aspect, without gaps or interruptions that spoil the façade texture’s readability. The integrated lighting elements were self-produced, combining laser cutting and 3D printing in the internal lab, resulting in perfect integration. The fixing methods can vary based on the material used and the characteristics of the support wall, making this deliberately non-standardized product highly adaptable and innovative.

Hospitality design in Quartu Sant’Elena: individual design as a strategy for success

To meet the needs of Boutique Marconi in Quartu Sant’Elena, for the design of TECTONIC.a_01, we successfully adopted the “GRAFIC.a tipo 3” texture and developed the 3D surface for the new façade as a thermal coat that promotes energy efficiency with attention to the architectural quality of the building as a whole. In addition to improving the building’s energy and acoustic efficiency, this unique element integrates a customized ambient lighting system, anticipating a suggestive experience for guests from their approach to the structure from Viale Marconi in Quartu Sant’Elena, making it distinctive and qualifying the building’s architecture as a whole.

Generative computational design and digital fabrication in Cagliari

Thanks to the generative design strategy, we explore unique variations of the tectonic texture to calibrate all details concerning the project scenario. The generative phase then combines with parametric design techniques to fully exploit the productive potential of the digital fabrication tools employed. This process gives birth to unique pieces for each client and project scenario. The fusion of computation, parametric design, and digital fabrication bridges the gap that often exists between the design phase and realization. With this integrated approach, in our lab, we tailor the use of industrial digital fabrication equipment (originally intended for serial production) towards a “tailor-made” production of advanced construction systems and semi-finished products not achievable with traditional artisan techniques.

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