Every company has a story that reflects not only the growth of its expertise but also the definition of a clear and coherent philosophy. For Astec, a specialist in the design and production of architectural bronze systems, this evolution has been guided by the pursuit of perfection, beauty, and durability.

Choosing architectural bronze

In the early stages of its journey, more than 40 years ago, Astec worked with a variety of materials, including steel, constantly seeking the best solutions to deliver high-quality window and door systems. The goal was clear: to guarantee exceptional performance and refined design, meeting a wide range of architectural needs.

Over time, the company developed the conviction that architectural bronze and copper alloys could address numerous requirements and be applied across diverse contexts: from interiors to exterior cladding, from staircases to windows and doors. Compared to steel, and especially aluminum, bronze offers unique advantages. It is a noble, sustainable, and recyclable material with a low environmental impact. Its extraordinary durability allows it to withstand the passage of time without losing its aesthetic appeal, while its low-maintenance nature preserves its qualities without invasive interventions. Added to these features are its intrinsic value, which brings prestige to every project, its versatility in both historic and contemporary settings, and superior acoustic insulation compared to more common metals.

Today, Astec produces 99% of its systems in architectural bronze. This is a choice of coherence and identity: prioritizing quality and authentic beauty over compromise. Bronze represents a philosophy that unites innovation, aesthetics, and history.

Podere Ascianello: a project that embodies the essence of architectural bronze

A concrete example of this operational philosophy is the restoration of Podere Ascianello, located among the hills of the Crete Senesi. Originally an 18th-century agricultural center dedicated to wheat production, later expanded to tobacco cultivation and livestock farming, the complex experienced a period of abandonment before being transformed into a private residence. The Studio Pietro del Vaglio led the intervention, giving unity to the project and achieving a synthesis between past and present through a careful balance of traditional materials and contemporary technology, attention to detail, and coherence in the overall design.

Particular importance was given to the dialogue between interior and exterior spaces, with water as a unifying element: the swimming pool, originating within the house and extending into the surrounding outdoor area, becomes a focal point—a space for relaxation and socializing. In this context, the choice of window and door systems played a key role. The designers selected Astec’s ABX® architectural bronze, allowing all door and window frames to be custom-made.

The bronze’s dark patina integrates perfectly with the stone and brick masonry, while the slim profile sections maximize the glass area, lightening the visual impact of the openings from the outside and offering expansive views of the surrounding landscape from the interior. The thermally broken ABX® extruded profiles also provide excellent thermal and acoustic insulation, ensuring residential comfort and energy efficiency.

Beyond windows and doors: a universal language

Thanks to its properties and inherent value, architectural bronze enables Astec to work across a wide variety of contexts—from the restoration of historic buildings to the most daring contemporary projects. It is a material language that bridges eras, styles, and sensibilities, always maintaining the same expressive strength.