Sustainability
The ambitions of the building are for the highest sustainable credentials starting with natural light, control of heat gain, use of low carbon materials and a rich presence of nature (water retention, biodiversity etc.). The section of the building offers a good strategy for cross ventilation cooling. The stepped section offers a self shading elevation which reduces glare and heat gain. The auditorium and the open garden occupy strategically the base of each atrium. These atriums provide daylight down to the depth of the building. The roof garden is a public offering as well as a precious staff amenity for events, socialising and lunch breaks. It is also emblematic of the role of building.
Spanning the length of the site, the "Chilometro Verde" features a kilometre-long forested greenway. This climate-cooled walkway integrates the site with the broader cityscape. Primarily evergreen Mediterranean forest trees provide natural shade, creating inviting and comfortable routes for movement and social interaction. Along this path, artificial springs emit water vapor and mist, cooling pedestrians and add a playful water element to the journey.
South of the Chilometro Verde, five themed gardens offer tranquil spaces and showcase regional flora as well as drought-resistant species from similar climates worldwide. These gardens combine beauty and resilience, presenting accessible and hardworking horticulture to the people of Naples.
The landscape around the Castello building features stepped terraces, offering vistas across the site and the city beyond. This area pairs the rugged character of the Castello with the rocky outcrops typical of the region. Local rock and stone form a memorable connection to the building's chiselled form, creating a rock garden environment that supports locally distinctive plant species thriving in drystone and cliff conditions.
Inside the Castello, the protected central courtyard becomes a lush tropical oasis, leveraging the specific microclimate of the space to nurture sustainable vibrant plant life. This lushness contrasts with two rooftop gravel gardens, offering stunning city views. One garden is public, and the other private, providing distinct yet complementary green spaces.
Our proposal integrates nature and urban life, creating a diverse and engaging greenspace that reflects the unique character of Naples and its surroundings.