Omes is a company that produces fittings for grindings and cut-off wheels. When we were approached by the management to construct new premises, they already had initial designs in hand. It was the standard pre-cast concrete box mainly in use in the area. As it is usual in this kind of buildings it had the office area on two floors on the short side facing the road, and a double height area for the production. We were convinced that for the same budget we could offer a superior product in terms of comfort, aesthetics and performance. Contrary to local practice (which caused initial hesitancy on the part of the Client), we proposed a steel structure, light and recyclable. Its superior versatility and reduced sections maximizes the potential of the interior space: the production area makes use of the entire ground floor, (which we were able to keep at a height of 4.5 metres). The second floor, raising up from the core of the building and protected by 2 side terraces, houses offices, storeroom, changing rooms and a canteen. The office zone is now surrounded by large glass panes on three sides, allowing the benefit of natural light and ventilation through the exposure to outdoor breezes.

This advantageous height and superior visibility offers the pleasure of a view of the Turin hills and the Alps, creating a relaxing environment for those working with computers. One of the two terraces is accessible by workers and serves as an outdoor communal relax area.

A preference for ecologically compatible materials was used, such as in the case of using polyolefines membranes  (for waterproofing of the roofs) and linoleum (for the flooring). Where possible, recyclable materials were chosen (steel and aluminium). The finished building, with its exterior silver coloured panels and its red metal structure, expresses the corporate identity of the company, which produces components in aluminium and has a red logo. The premises where put into use a few days following the completion after eight months of work on site.

Thanks to the highly insulated building envelope and the adoption of condensing boilers, a first estimate of overhead costs per year on a metres cubed basis has indicated an approx. 50% saving when compared to the older plant.