Torre Seta is a landmark project set to redefine Milan’s architectural identity, while prioritizing safety and sustainability. The redevelopment follows the severe fire that damaged the building in August 2021 and led to its complete refurbishment starting in late 2024. Rather than demolishing the existing structure, the project preserves its robust reinforced concrete core and introduces a modern façade designed with Novelis aluminum for performance and aesthetics, with completion expected around mid‑2026.
“Torre Seta demonstrates how existing structures can be transformed rather than replaced, turning a past critical event into an opportunity for regeneration,” said Giuseppe Enea, project manager of Studio Marco Piva, the architectural firm that designed the new building. “After the fire that affected the former building, resilience and material performance became central to our design approach. Working with Novelis’ low carbon, high recycled aluminum allowed us to combine sustainability with advanced façade engineering, ensuring durability, fire performance, and long-term adaptability.”
Low-Carbon Construction
Studio Marco Piva drew its inspiration for the design from the existing structure and translated into a modern architectural solution. The new façade at Torre Seta integrates non-combustible aluminum panels classified A2s1, under EN 135011:2018, ensuring compliance with stringent fire safety standards. Beyond these technical strengths, the liquid-coated and press-folded aluminium panels deliver a distinctive architectural expression, merging modern aesthetics with long term durability to define the building’s renewed visual identity.
“The selection of liquid-coated, folded aluminum panels for the façade, fully recyclable at the end of their life cycle, helps minimize the project’s environmental impact, ensuring greater sustainability over the long term,” noted Enea. “The result is an architectural skin that embodies environmental responsibility, technical precision, and structural endurance.”
As part of the project, Novelis supplied 35 tons of aluminum alloy made from 90% recycled content, reinforcing the project’s commitment to environmental responsibility. Produced at the Novelis’ Pieve Emanuele plant in Italy, the aluminum delivers a remarkably low carbon footprint thanks to extensive use of recycled aluminum.
The aluminum was delivered as Super Windy® pre-painted coils, engineered for exceptional durability and versatility in architectural applications. This material offers superior bending properties, paint elasticity to prevent cracking, and resistance to aggressive environmental agents.
“Torre Seta is a perfect example of how aluminum can enable low-carbon urban regeneration,” said Laura Basile, director of Operations for Novelis in Italy. “By combining fire safety, recyclability, and design flexibility, we help architects and developers create buildings with modern aesthetics that also meet today’s environmental and safety standards.”