In December, in Italy, near Ravenna, the first “Ecogrill” will be completed. It is the first rest area owned by Autogrill designed to meet criteria for energy savings and environmental sustainability. Its energy consumption is designed to be just one-third that of one of the chain’s traditional sites.
Designed by the Italian architectural studio Total Tool, under the direction of the architect Giulio Ceppi, the new building will have an innovative shape. It will appear to be a green hill within which the rest area services are found. The materials used are also innovative (high insulation with EPS) as well as the use of renewable energy sources, thanks to the geothermal system that will exploit the heat in the ground.
The enclosure is a “hill” of expanded polystyrene (EPS) blocks modeled on site, which act as insulation. These are covered with ground planted with ivy, which acts as an insulator and heat stabilizer (green roof), as well as reducing the architectural impact of the building. The building’s attic is made using polystyrene cement structural sheeting that acts as insulation as well as ducting for the electrical system.
Lighting will mostly use natural light and, when insufficient natural light is available, energy saving light fixtures (LED based). The entire lighting system will be automatically controlled by sensors.
