damilano studio architects: gazoline petrol station

italian practice damilanostudio architects have completed the ‘gazoline petrol station’ located in cuneo, italy. positioned along the planned asti-cuneo highway, the retro exterior is formed by continuous ribbon mimicking a dynamic band of asphalt. referencing american petrol stations, the site provides resting facilities for long or short distance trips with program including cafe and dining areas. a smaller perpendicular extension is wrapped with a strip of red steel announcing restroom facilities to travelers with a bold graphic.

image © andrea martiradonna

cast in special molds, the curving shell is formed with reinforced concrete and the remaining walls are enclosed with glass. horizontal metal louvers strategically shade the essential facades allowing proper amounts of filtered natural daylight to enter. an iconic free standing column protects the gasoline pump from direct sun and precipitation.

reinforced concrete shell
image © andrea martiradonna

curved facade
image © andrea martiradonna

glass facade encloses concrete from
image © andrea martiradonna

office
image © andrea martiradonna

eating area
image © andrea martiradonna

hallway leading to restrooms
image © andrea martiradonna

restrooms expressed as a graphic on the facade
image © andrea martiradonna

view of eating area through glass facade
image © andrea martiradonna

illuminated from the interior at night
image © andrea martiradonna

illuminated from the interior at night
image © andrea martiradonna

at night
image © andrea martiradonna

site plan
image courtesy of damilanostudio

elevation
image courtesy of damilanostudio

project info:

design team: architects damilanostudio
designer: duilio damilano
building area: 400 sq.m.
surface area: 3800 sq.m.
completion year: 2011
location: cuneo, piedmont, italy