Headquarters

A long-standing Milan-based company, Ugolini S.p.A. is a market leader in the distribution of cold beverages and desserts, with its core business focused on granita machines and refrigeration units.

Founded by the enterprising Mario Ugolini, born in 1912, the company began its journey by launching the world’s smallest chiller at the Milan Trade Fair in 1966, followed by its first granita machine in 1974.

Since then, continuous growth and the successful entry into the American market have established Ugolini S.p.A. as one of the standout enterprises in Italian manufacturing.

The new Ugolini S.p.A. headquarters brings together the spatial requirements of both manufacturing and office functions, striking a complex balance between almost metaphysical architectural elements and the archetypal gable-roofed house. The aim was to create a human-scale working environment with a disciplined and orderly appearance.

The architectural project, led by the Barreca & La Varra studio, responded to the client’s clear desire to unify access to the building — from office staff to production workers — through a single main entrance.

The open courtyard layout was identified as the most effective solution for managing both the site plan and building volumes. It enables a strong interaction between the architectural fronts, which are structurally independent yet visually cohesive, clearly referencing the traditional Lombard farmhouse.

The 3,000 sqm office building is spread over two floors and embraces four large trees — a plane tree, oak, mulberry and ash — which rise at the heart of the central communal space. Four entrance lobbies, two of which are double-height and lit by large skylights, lead into the interior, composed of open-plan workspaces, offices and meeting rooms.

Adjacent to the offices, the 5,500 sqm production area can be viewed through interior windows from the Research & Development department on the second floor.

The 5,700 sqm warehouse stands independently and is accessible along its entire perimeter by transport vehicles, ensuring maximum efficiency in the movement of goods.