The complex, owned by Gruppo Unipol, comprises two structures 53 and 15 meters high. Some structural elements have been maintained, while the first two floors above ground level, originally intended as parking areas, have been converted into offices to increase the available working space. The existing access ramp was demolished to free up a large area of the ground floor, making it fully accessible from outside. However, the most striking aspect of the renovation is the prismatic facade with triangular-shaped glass walls in a checkerboard effect, which creates dynamic movement. For the external facade, Progetto CMR requested a lighter background to reflect light contrasting with a darker color, to add character to the two blocks. Fiandre Architectural Surfaces’ Active porcelain surfaces were chosen, notably Core Shade in Cloudy Core Active and Sharp Core Active. The decision to use porcelain surfaces on the facades, balcony flooring and external areas were due to their aesthetic beauty and the durability of this material. Porcelain slabs were installed using the Granitech ventilated facade system® with visible anchoring brackets, a solution that ensures the buildings’ long life, especially high-rise buildings, wall durability and energy efficiency. One of the most innovative features of De Castillia 23 is the type of tile chosen for the facades, balcony flooring and outdoor areas. These special surfaces are “eco-active” due to ACTIVE SURFACES, an innovation patented by holding Iris Ceramica Group, which includes Fiandre. ACTIVE SURFACES are photocatalytic, self-cleaning, antibacterial, anti-polluting and anti-odour. Each ACTIVE slab is treated with titanium dioxide (TiO2) and silver to enhance and improve bactericidal performance, 24 hours a day, even in the dark. When air, humidity and light (natural or artificial) are present, oxidation is generated on the surface of the tiles which degrades organic and inorganic contaminants that come into contact with it. These surfaces are dirt-repellent, and therefore can be cleaned simply with water and a mild detergent with no need for toxic or expensive chemicals. Their use on the external facade and continuous exposure to light and weather make this property particularly effective. In addition, the external coating is able to convert volatile molecules of hazardous pollutants such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC) into harmless substances, with huge benefits for human well-being. According to the Department of Chemistry, the University of Milan, the 16,088 sq.m. of special Active Surfaces installed on the project counteract 59 kg/year of nitrogen oxide, equivalent to over 200,000 sq.m. of green space, bringing huge benefits for those who live in the neighborhood. Based on these estimates, De Castillia 23 can be called a “smog-eating” building. Progetto CMR’s Research and Development team confirms that a further 2,000 sq.m. of actual green space will absorb approximately 12 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year and release 9 tonnes of oxygen.