The corporate headquarters of Nobili SpA in the province of Novara was designed by architect Maria Grazia Nobili to embody the company’s core values of design, innovation, care for the environment and the highest standards of production quality. “Elegance, beauty and sobriety in buildings play a fundamental role in improving people’s lives,” she says. “This project aims to create a building that transcends fleeting trends, stripping away superfluity to focus on what truly matters: sustainability.”
As the only European tap manufacturer with a fully integrated production cycle, Nobili SpA invests significant resources each year in innovation and cutting-edge technology. At the heart of its operations is the Nobili Technology Centre in Suno, a state-of-the-art facility designed for efficiency, high quality standards and a reduced environmental footprint.
At the entrance, visitors are greeted by a sculpture by Arnaldo Pomodoro that stands as a symbol of geometry and complexity. The bronze sphere, suspended above a square pool of water, is complemented by the metallic reflections and veining of Laminam slabs from the IN-SIDE collection in Pietra Piasentina Grigio fiammato. The collection’s flame-effect finish extends beyond the exterior, continuing inside onto the monumental staircase, which is further enhanced by winder steps illuminated with LED lighting. This choice reinforces the project’s central theme of material continuity.
Maria Grazia Nobili explains: “The building was designed with a profound sensitivity to its surroundings, creating fluid, light-filled spaces with internal courtyards and large windows to maximise natural light. Outside, the magnificent white portico and modular façade achieve a perfect balance between form and function.”
Laminam’s Calce collection in the colour White was chosen for the cladding of the external staircase, aligning seamlessly with the sustainability philosophy shared by the two companies. Two additional Laminam collections further enhance the aesthetics of the spaces and ensure continuity between the interior and exterior: Fokos for the flooring and Calce for the columns.
“The most underappreciated aspect of architecture is the process, the understanding that a good building is the result of a well-executed project involving many individuals,” the architect concludes. “The idea that architecture is the product of collective effort is more than just a cliché; it is a clear and realistic reflection on the state of the profession today. Ultimately, my work on the new headquarters of Nobili SpA represents a vision of sophisticated architecture based on study and human understanding, with the goal of improving people’s quality of life.”
