Ingegneri Riuniti: Renovation and repurposing of a historic building complex in Florence, Italy

– MEP design: Ingegneri Riuniti S.p.A.

– Location: Florence, Italy

– Project start and end: May 2023 – ongoing

– MagiCAD modules: MagiCAD Piping and Ventilation for Revit

The project

This case study presents the renovation and repurposing project of a historic complex dating back to the 15th century, located in the heart of Florence, Italy. A listed building recognized for its high architectural and cultural value, the property is subject to various levels of protection.

The interior and exterior spaces are distinguished by their high architectural and artistic value. Some spaces feature completely frescoed walls and ceilings, while others feature coffered wooden ceilings and large decorated spaces.

The project required meticulous restoration work that was conducted in close collaboration with the relevant authorities. From the very beginning of the design process, great care was taken to respect the property’s historic value. The chosen solutions prioritized minimal impact on existing structures while meeting the client’s requirements for functionality and efficiency. The project also incorporated solutions focused on environmental sustainability and energy efficiency.

The finished complex will provide spaces for the local university and is divided into four buildings, distinguished by structure and intended use.

System design – Building B (Auditorium)

The building employs an all-air solution, enhanced by advanced technologies for air treatment and microclimate control.

• Climate control system: high-efficiency, low-noise reversible heat pump with a maximum thermal output of approximately 90 kW
• Air handling unit: maximum airflow of 11,000 m³/h, capable of ensuring proper ventilation and indoor air quality control
• Air distribution:
  • Supply ducts are installed beneath the raised floor, a solution that offers flexibility in space management and minimizes interference with existing structures
  • Return ducts are placed in the attic, preserving the aesthetic of the interiors and reducing visual impact

The system was designed to ensure maximum energy efficiency at all times, thanks to a setup that adjusts airflow based on the actual occupancy of the auditorium. This approach optimizes energy consumption, reduces waste, and maintains consistent environmental comfort.

This solution allows the auditorium to adapt to events of varying scale and type, while consistently maintaining high standards of air quality and climate control.

System design – Building C (Cafeteria)

For Building C, designated to house the cafeteria, an all-air system was developed to effectively manage high-traffic environments. The chosen solution ensures optimal control of both the microclimate and air quality, which is essential in a food service setting.

• Climate control system: high-efficiency, low-noise reversible heat pump with a maximum thermal output of approximately 141 kW
• Air handling unit: total airflow capacity of 17,000 m³/h, including 11,000 m³/h of fresh air, in compliance with UNI 10339 standards for air exchange and quality in crowded spaces
• Air distribution:
  • Supply ducts are integrated into suspended ceilings and false beams, ensuring even and discreet air distribution
  • Return ducts are built into service shafts, with grilles positioned on the shaft face—a solution that provides efficiency without compromising the aesthetic of the interiors

The system design was developed in close collaboration with the architectural team, aiming to minimize the visual impact of the installations while maintaining their primary functionality. Technical elements, such as ducts and grilles, were integrated into existing architectural structures or concealed by design solutions like suspended ceilings and false beams, preserving the aesthetic character of the spaces. This attention to detail successfully balanced technical requirements with respect for the harmony of the environment, while ensuring high standards of comfort in a high-traffic area.

System design – Building D (Accommodation)

Building D consists of residential units and required a system that provides personalized comfort and high efficiency.

• Climate control: high-efficiency, low-noise reversible heat pump
• Heating: underfloor system with radiant panels, controllable for each individual room
• Cooling: fan coil units discreetly concealed under windows
• Air distribution: supply and return ducts integrated into suspended ceilings

The systems were equipped with inverters, which provides high flexibility and individual control for each room and allows for optimal and personalized climate management

System design – Building E (Classrooms and offices)

Building E houses classrooms and offices and the systems in the building were designed to ensure efficiency, flexibility, and high comfort.

• Climate control: high-efficiency reversible heat pump installed in a specially designed underground technical room
• Heating: radiant floor panels on the ground floor
• Cooling/Heating: concealed and integrated fan coil units
• Air distribution: dedicated supply and return ducts for rooms with more than 10 occupants, integrated into wood panelling and suspended ceilings

The systems, equipped with inverters, allow for personalized management and regulation of each space, providing maximum adaptability according to user needs.

Plant room

The technical heart of the entire complex, the plant room contains all the main equipment for heating, cooling, domestic hot water production, and air exchange.

The space was carefully designed to minimize the visual impact of the equipment and to reduce noise by using silencers and sound-absorbing grilles.

The designers also adopted a distinctive solution for managing airflow where dedicated intake grilles are discreetly integrated into the courtyard above, positioned beneath seating areas or in other low-visibility zones. Exhaust air is channelled into a large, dedicated shaft built within the spaces of the new cafeteria.

MagiCAD tools used: Clash detection

The Clash detection tool allows for precise identification of clashes between various system elements. Clashes are categorized as either soft clashes (within tolerance zone of elements) or hard clashes (colliding elements). The clash detection can be performed in real time during the design phase or at the end of the process, generating a detailed report of the identified conflicts. This approach enhances coordination between design disciplines, reducing errors, additional costs, and construction time.

MagiCAD tools used: Modelling of radiant panels

Modelling the radiant panel systems with MagiCAD for Revit allowed for design, calculation, and balancing to be performed fully integrated within the BIM model. After selecting a radiant panel type based on the flooring, the panel’s thermal output can be defined, and a reference room can be selected according to the specified piping layout.

This approach ensures more accurate calculation results and allows for proper circuit balancing, optimizing both energy efficiency and environmental comfort.

MagiCAD tools used: Builderswork openings

The Builderswork openings tool in MagiCAD automates the detection and handling of clashes between systems and structural elements. The feature enables the generation of a detailed report of all identified conflicts. Users can then select where to create the openings, which are generated as Revit families.

The openings can be easily shared with the structural or architectural teams. Additionally, a plugin provided by MagiCAD allows these provisions to be converted into actual openings and directly integrated into the structural or architectural model, ensuring coordinated and accurate design. This approach improves efficiency and reduces errors during the execution phases.

Ingegneri Riuniti

Ingegneri Riuniti is an engineering and architecture company founded in 1965 and one of the first independent companies in its sector in Italy. It offers multidisciplinary design services in areas such as infrastructure, hydraulics, environment, civil construction, architecture, and building services systems.

The team at Ingegneri Riuniti consists of approximately 55 professionals based in offices in Modena and Perugia, working on both national and international projects. The company is known for its integrated design approach, combining diverse expertise to deliver comprehensive and innovative solutions to its clients.

Interviewees:
Michele Daloiso, MEP BIM Engineer – Ingegneri Riuniti
Matteo Quattrini, MEP Bim Specialist – Ingegneri Riuniti