Palazzo Alvaro Reggio Calabria
The project

Palazzo Corrado Alvaro, designed by Gaetano Spinelli and Camillo Autore in 1920, is a building of great historical and architectural relevance.

The building is the seat of the Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria and, since 2015, has borne the name of the famous writer Corrado Alvaro, a native of San Luca. The structure stands out for its Umbertine architecture.

Inside, the spectacular staircase is embellished with a Roman altar, while works by artists such as Panetta, Jerace, Monteleone and Mori enrich rooms such as the Council Chamber and the entrance hall. Inside, the spectacular staircase is embellished with a Roman altar, while works by artists such as Panetta, Jerace, Monteleone and Mori enrich rooms such as the Council Chamber, the entrance hall and the Mayor's office.

The challenge

The project faced several complex and interrelated challenges. First of all, the aim of the project was to improve energy efficiency in a listed and monumental building, where every change requires the utmost care and respect for the original structures. At the same time, it was necessary to implement advanced thermo-hygrometric control to ensure the proper conservation of the numerous works of art housed inside the building.

Climate comfort also had to be ensured uniformly for visitors, employees and the spaces used for events and exhibitions. Finally, the technological systems installed had to integrate discreetly and functionally into the complex existing architecture, without altering its aesthetics or integrity. 

Restoration and redevelopment work

The recent restoration was a valuable opportunity to bring to light the historical and artistic value of the palace through meticulous work involving both the architectural structures and the decorative and artistic elements. Frescoes, mosaics and bas-reliefs were restored, including the famous depiction of the Morgana Fairy in the Red Hall, as well as works by Monteleone, Jerace and Panetta.

Great attention was also paid to the restoration of historical furnishings, such as chandeliers, railings, gates and period furniture, which were restored and preserved. In addition, the project involved the functional conversion of some interior spaces: the old cloisters were transformed into an exhibition hall and a conference room, while a solarium accessible to the public and operators was created on the terrace.

Plant engineering solution

To meet the requirements of efficiency, comfort and artistic protection, Siram S.p.A., in collaboration with Edi Service Talarico, has designed an advanced plant engineering system based on Clivet solutions, perfectly integrated into the architectural context. Air conditioning and air renewal are guaranteed by a system consisting of eight modular air handling units: two AQX5 units, two AQX8 units, five AQX13 units (three of which are integrated into a single central unit), two AQX7 units and four AQX6 units.

These are complemented by a size 2 CPAN-XHE3 air renewal unit, specifically designed to ensure air exchange in historic buildings. Local comfort is provided by six AURA CFFAC 12 R3 wall-mounted fan coils, while heating and cooling is provided by a high-efficiency WiSAN-YSE1 30.2 air/water heat pump and two WSAT-YSC4 80.3 water chillers, chosen for their high performance and compatibility with sensitive environments.

Clivet Pompe di calore sul tetto di Palazzo Alvaro a reggio Calabria Chiller Clivet e unità di trattamento aria Clivet sul tetto di palazzo Alvaro a Reggio Calabria
Clivet units installed
  • 8 AQX air handling units 
  • 1 ZEPHIR3 CPAN-XHE3 Size 2 air renewal and purification unit
  • 6 AURA fan coils 
  • 1 SHEEN EVO WiSAN-YSE1 30.2 air-water heat pump
  • 2 SPINCHILLER4 WSAT-YSC4 80.3 water chillers
Results

Thanks to the solution adopted, the building now benefits from significant energy consumption optimisation, with a system that ensures thermo-hygrometric stability and environmental comfort in every season. The integration of the systems was carried out in full compliance with the architectural characteristics of the building, without compromising its original appearance or functionality. Furthermore, the new system contributes in a concrete way to the preservation of artistic heritage, reducing environmental impact and improving the experience of citizens, tourists and operators using the spaces.

The intervention on Palazzo Corrado Alvaro represents a virtuous model of collaboration between public bodies and specialised companies, capable of combining modern functional needs and respect for history in a work of great value for the community. Experience shows that, even in historical and complex contexts, it is possible to apply advanced technologies to improve the quality of environments and preserve cultural memory.

The protagonists
  • Client: Metropolitan City of Reggio Calabria
  • System design and construction: Siram S.p.A. in collaboration with Edi Service Talarico (Catanzaro) 
  • Clivet Agency: Green Clima Agency and Consulting S.n.c. - Cosenza