Pirelli 35 and Odense hospital

The right shade of red

Collaborating for success in Italy and Denmark.
Axalta collaborated with Italian-based metal construction experts MTS to develop customised coating solutions for two landmark projects: Pirelli 35 in Italy and the Odense Hospital in Denmark.

Durable solutions in Italy
‘Pirelli 35’, designed by architects Park Associati and Snøhetta, is a retrofitted office block that occupies Via Pirelli and Via Bordoni in Milan. The building is to be re-clad with a warm terracotta façade that delicately adds a sense of vibrancy to the cityscape, distinguishing itself from its more greyscale neighbours.

Designers chose a specific shade of red as a coating colour and Axalta was able to provide options for Class 1 and Class 2 coatings that not only met the aesthetic requirements, but enhanced the façade’s durability, too. Axalta suggested FA’BRICK SD031C8022020 (Class 2) and OXIDE 2 AE03418112420 (Class 1) — both in the shade “City terracotta,” that complemented the pearl colour RAL1035 PEARL BEIGE AE20311031721 also chosen for the building’s façade.

Batch supply chain management
In Odense Axalta’s assistance allowed MTS to select the perfect colour from the ICONICA collection for a complex salt and pepper finish in the Timeless Rust shade. The designers initially wanted a Corten finish, but found that the Timeless Rust colour from the super durable ICONICA of powder coatings was a better alternative with a similar aesthetic. Thanks to its collection of contemporary colours, the ICONICA range has proven popular with architects
since its launch in 2022.

Axalta’s expertise ensured that the powder coating for the whole project came from the same batch, providing a consistent finish — an essential requirement.

Fruitful collaboration and in particular, rigorous supply chain management, has been key to the success of these projects. Axalta and MTS worked closely together so designers could specify coatings that meet the aesthetic and durability requirements, as well as fitting in with the procurement timelines
of each project.

This case study was featured in vibes colour journal