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Galfa Tower

EPC Contracting for Galfa Tower

EPC Contracting

Customer Unipol Assicurazioni

Where Milan

Solution EPC Contracting

Sector Executive

        
          The tower renovation project aimed to preserve the original geometry and height of the building, while the materials and energy sustainability were redesigned.

Strengths

Renovation of an architectural icon

Cefla contributed to the restoration of Torre Galfa, a symbol of modern Milanese architecture, transforming it into a multifunctional building with residential, hotel and commercial uses.

Advanced system integration

Design and construction of thermomechanical, electrical and special systems, ensuring comfort, energy efficiency and safety in a highly complex environment.

Use of BIM methodology

Implementation of integrated design in BIM, allowing precise space management and perfect integration between architectural and plant components.

Key Numbers

102 m

Building height

27000 sqm

Total surface area

16000 sqm

Facade surface area

Background

The Torre Galfa, designed by Melchiorre Bega and completed in 1959, is a skyscraper in the centre of Milan. After a long period of neglect, it underwent a major redevelopment by UnipolSai, with the aim of restoring an iconic city building and adapting it to contemporary needs through a mix of residential, hotel and commercial functions.

        
          As with all systems installed in structures of considerable height, the systems were distributed from the bottom upwards and, as there was not enough space available inside the vertical shafts, Cefla opted for a solution featuring sub-central units located on each level of the tower.

Challenges

Structural and architectural constraints
Preserving the historical identity of the building while integrating modern systems into limited and constrained spaces.
Multidisciplinary coordination
Simultaneous management of different uses, each with specific system requirements.

Complex site logistics
Operating in a densely populated urban environment with limited access and needing to minimise impact on city traffic.

Project Tasks

Cefla has provided:

Thermomechanical systems for air conditioning, heating and ventilation, adapted to different uses.

Electrical and special systems, including safety, fire prevention and automation systems.

Technology units located in the basement, designed to optimise the available space.

Integration of low-thickness radiant systems for heating common areas, such as the panoramic restaurant on the top floors.

Implementation

The project was developed using BIM methodology, allowing for precise and coordinated design across different disciplines. The use of laser scanner surveys provided an accurate geometric basis, which was essential for integrating the systems into an existing building with limited space. The project was completed on schedule, relying on close collaboration between designers, builders and the client.
The solution, characterised by sub-central units located on each level of the tower, has allowed for a more rational use of space in the light wells, with a consequent overall improvement in building flexibility.

More specifically, each level has a sub-central unit housing two water-cooled (well water) direct expansion VRV circuits, around fifteen indoor units air-condition the various rooms and fresh air is provided by a heat recovery unit that introduces outside air after it has been suitably filtered and heated. The heart of the system consists of three groundwater wells 45 metres deep equipped with 33 l/sec pumps and four 40-metre production wells; distribution is ensured by pumps in the risers to the various sub-central units located in the “vertebra” between the external safety stairs. All systems feature water circuits that use components with a nominal pressure of 25/40 bar, pressure reducers and various anti-flooding safety solutions designed specifically to ensure full efficiency despite the height.