green residential village emerges from the grounds of former factory in milan

Urban Renewal Project Forrest in Town blends city and nature

Forrest in Town, a green residential village in Milan, emerges from the redevelopment of the former Cascina Galbani factory by the Gruppo Building. Designed by DFA Partners and Boffa Petrone & Partners, the project redefines urban living, blending city and nature. The horizontal condominium model features two or three floors above ground, with private spaces overlooking a communal 4,500 sqm park. The innovation extends to a basement-level aeroponic garden, a unique feature in Milan, utilizing Agricooltur® technology. The project embraces a new lifestyle, emphasizing environmental consciousness and well-being.

all images courtesy of Gruppo Building

landscape redevelopment fosters microclimatic balance

The construction incorporates advanced technologies while reviving the charm of historic Casa di Ringhiera houses in southern Milan. Noteworthy details include wooden windows, relief shapes, and exposed wooden beams. The buildings achieve energy efficiency with Class A4 certification and rooftop photovoltaic panels, while ventilated wooden roofs enhance comfort. Home automation systems manage climate control, ensuring optimal conditions through underfloor radiant panels and fan coils. Gruppo Building collaborates with landscape designer Vittorio Peretto to shape the central courtyard park into a ‘young forest,’ fostering microclimatic balance. The ecosystem supports fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs, and herbaceous ground covers. Below the park, a communal aeroponic garden facilitates residents’ access to fresh vegetables with minimal water use. The smart condominium concept integrates a digital tool for amenity management, service booking, and communication, enhancing the residents’ quality of life.

green residential village overlooking Navigli emerges from a former factory

the collaborative design of DFA Partners and Boffa Petrone & Partners shapes a horizontal condominium model

the private spaces overlook a communal 4,500 sqm park

wooden windows, relief shapes, and exposed beams evoke old-fashioned charm

Casa di Ringhiera style integrates with modern innovations

innovative ‘soilless’ cultivation for fresh vegetables with reduced water use

project info:

name: Forrest in Town
architect: DFA Partners | @dfapartners – Boffa Petrone & Partners
construction: Gruppo Building | @gruppobuilding

location: Milan, Italy

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom