;
1/6

A multifunctional structure in perfect harmony with nature

In Marciaga di Costermano, a small town in the province of Verona (Italy), an unused municipal area has been transformed into a so-called bicigrill, a multi-purpose centre for social activities.

Marciaga di Costermano sul Garda is a charming town overlooking the shores of lake Garda. The town is situated in the hills at the foot of Mount Baldo, making it a crossroads of beautiful cycle paths. In 2014, the municipality decided to transform an unused area in town into a multi-purpose centre, aiming to create an important social hub for the area. The new structure, which was completed in 2019, is used as a refreshment point for the many cyclists who use the wide network of paths that wind through the hills, and also houses a bicycle rental centre. The building is surrounded by a large green area destined to become the scene of recreational activities, sports and public events.

Used products:

Rockpanel Colours & Rockpanel Natural

1/5

A building structure to match the environment

The building has been deliberately constructed as a semi-underground structure set against the natural elevation of the existing land. It is completely covered with a green roof to provide camouflage to ensure its organic integration into nature and to improve energy efficiency. Thanks to this, the environmental impact is minimal.

The above-ground part of the facade overlooking the street simulates the natural elevation of the hill the structure is built upon. To achieve this effect, natural colours, such as green and brown, were placed in an alternating pattern to recreate a texture that resembles the stratigraphy of the soil.

Facade cladding with the colours of the earth

Rockpanel Colours facade panels, made from compressed stone wool, were used for the building structure. Architect Michele Zecchini: "The idea behind the project led me to this solution. The land where this building had to be constructed, had a slope: inside the slope, the structure had to be enclosed. We didn’t want to immediately reveal the entire building at first glance, but rather gradually as you pass by. To accommodate this effect, the structure also has a curvilinear shape. This particular layout of the facade, which is made from Rockpanel Colours panels, creates the impression that a strip of land has been elevated to enclose the building.”

I chose Rockpanel panels, because they are available in a wide range of colour shades and for the technical characteristics of the material. Stone wool is guaranteed to offer durability and it is resistant to external influences. Furthermore, it is a ductile and flexible material, an indispensable quality when having to adapt the panels to the curvilinear geometry of the structure. In addition, the advice given by and the excellent cooperation with Rockpanel also contributed to the success of the project. - Project architect Michele Zecchini
Case Study Italy Bicgrill

Project information

Location: Marciaga di Costernano, Italy
Architect: Architecture Studio Zecchini Michele
Building owner: Town of Marciano di Costermano
Product: Rockpanel Colours & Rockpanel Natural

Used products:

20180814 RW-RP PHO 00153

Rockpanel Colours

Imagine the freedom of choosing any colour you like from an artist’s palette and then painting your building in the perfect tone of your choice. That’s the choice you have with the Rockpanel Colours range.

We manufacture board material mostly used in ventilated constructions, for facade cladding, roof detailing, soffits and fascias.