Groundbreaking: Italy’s Tetra Pak Hub is all about innovation
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Architecture studio 1+1=1 Claudio Silvestrin Giuliana Salmaso has just signed off a striking addition for the home of Tetra Pak in Italy, the country's new innovation centre for the Swedish food packaging multinational.
1+1=1 Claudio Silvestrin Giuliana Salmaso and Trombini Studio won the competition to design this 1300 sq m facility back in 2009, a space which would be dedicated to research, innovation and training. This was to be built adjacent to the company's existing headquarters in Emilia Romagna. Close to Modena, the structure would be in good company, within a region where innovation is a local tradition; this is also where the Ferrari and Lamborghini car factories were founded. However, a major earthquake hit northern Italy in 2012, causing widespread damage and delaying the construction plans. The building was, at the time, in design development. The natural event caused a change in the area's earthquake regulations, so the design needed to be updated respectively.
For example, a 'gelosia' wall in the original design – a partition wall constructed with a perforated pattern that allows light and air to cross through – needed to be replaced. Enter the terracota-coloured pillars made of reinforced concrete and finished with cocciopesto.
'The intention of the project was to represent tradition, innovation and style with a stunning yet functional contemporary architecture that expresses the international image of the company and its commitment to quality and innovation', explain the architects.
Now, replacing a derelict farm on site, a winding footpath leads visitors through a green garden to the centre's dramatic, irregularly shaped 11m high wooden door. The pillars flank it on on the right hand side, while the building's curved glass facade unfolds to the left.
The interior is an 8m high sinuous space that encourages an open plan, flexible desk arrangement. The airy and calm environment overlooks a park. 'The elliptical shape facilitates the circulation of information and teamwork, and fosters a way of working that encourages communication and innovation', say the architects. 'Meanwhile the inner core contains square and rectangular rooms, which are suitable for working in a more conventional way'.
The building's curved form was chosen to encourage information exchange and teamwork, explain the architects
The building was designed according to the area's strict earthquake regulations
Inside, the layout is mostly open plan, offering flexible workspace
Looking out to a green park through large floor to ceiling openings, the interior is bright and calm
INFORMATION
For more information visit the 1+1=1 website (opens in new tab)
Photography: Giulia Ricagni and Giovanni de Sandre
-
Dominique White wins Max Mara Art Prize for Women 2022 – 2024
Artist Dominique White has been crowned winner of the ninth edition of the Max Mara Art Prize for Women, presented in a ceremony at Whitechapel Gallery
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith • Published
-
Leica Women Foto Project Award 2023: meet the winners
The Leica Women Foto Project Award 2023 winners give voice to the marginalised through photography
By Simon Mills • Published
-
Gilbert & George on their new art centre in east London: ‘We all want to live forever, don’t we?’
As the Gilbert & George Centre prepares to open on 1 April 2023, we interview the artist duo on their vision for the space, located in the heart of London’s east end and designed by SIRS Architects
By Harriet Lloyd-Smith • Published
-
Venice Architecture Biennale 2023: who, when, and what to look forward to
As we start gearing up for the Venice Architecture Biennale 2023, we explore what's in store for visitors at the world's famous celebration of building design
By Ellie Stathaki • Published
-
Adler Spa Resort Sicily blends sustainability and relaxation
Adler Spa Resort Sicily by architect Hugo Demetz opens in southern Italy, championing sustainability and relaxation
By Ifeoluwa Adedeji • Published
-
The Fendi factory in Tuscany disappears into the landscape
The new Fendi Factory in Italy, set in the rolling hills of Tuscany, is the brainchild of Milan architecture studio Piuarch and the luxury brand
By Ellie Stathaki • Published
-
Step inside the dramatic Cava Arcari by David Chipperfield
Cava Arcari by David Chipperfield reimagines a series of caves outside Vicenza as a multifunctional event space
By Ellie Stathaki • Published
-
Rinascente is reborn in Rome’s Piazza Fiume courtesy of design studio 2050+
Rinascente in Piazza Fiume, Rome gets a makeover by Milan-based interdisciplinary design agency 2050+
By David Plaisant • Published
-
This Sicilian villa brings contemporary architecture to the foot of Mount Etna
L House is a modern Sicilian villa in perfect sync with its surroundings, designed by London-based architecture practice Transit Studio
By Ellie Stathaki • Published
-
Take the ultimate Carlo Scarpa tour of Venice
A Carlo Scarpa tour to end all tours; join our survey of modernist buildings by the Italian midcentury master in and around Venice
By Natasha Levy • Last updated
-
Etruscan Galleries at Fondazione Luigi Rovati by Mario Cucinella just flow
In Milan, the Etruscan Galleries at the Fondazione Luigi Rovati, designed by architect Mario Cucinella, open to the public
By Ellie Stathaki • Last updated