In the world of architecture, striking the right balance between aesthetics and feasibility is often a challenging path to navigate. This is precisely where Astec’s consultancy comes into play. A leader in architectural bronze manufacturing, Astec has the ability to turn design visions into tangible realities—without ever compromising the creative identity of the project.
Beyond supply: a design partner
For Astec, consultancy means far more than responding to a technical request: it means fully understanding the needs of both designers and clients, even when these are not explicitly stated, and knowing how to translate them into feasible solutions. The Astec team works daily with architects, structural engineers, and other specialized professionals, collaborating seamlessly with all parties involved in the construction process.
The challenge often lies in reconciling the technical requirements of a project with on-site constraints—striking the right balance between structural limitations, environmental performance, and aesthetic expectations. This cross-disciplinary, proactive approach is what sets Astec apart in the world of premium façades and high-performance window and door systems.
The Rolex Headquarters case
A landmark example is the new Rolex Headquarters in Milan, completed in 2020. The original architectural vision was faced with a series of seemingly insurmountable technical limitations. Thanks to its consultancy expertise, Astec developed a hybrid solution, creating an entirely new façade system not previously available on the market—one that successfully merged aesthetic ambitions with technical and construction requirements.
Another significant aspect of this project was the restoration of the historic façade of Palazzo Calderoni, a 19th-century building near Teatro alla Scala, severely damaged during World War II bombings. For this context, Astec designed ABX® D45 windows and doors, capable of ensuring the highest levels of air, water, and wind tightness, while preserving the architectural integrity of the original design.
Hotel Portrait Milano: monumentality with lightness
Another outstanding project that showcases the value of Astec’s consultancy is the new Hotel Portrait by Lungarno Collection, designed by architect Michele De Lucchi. Located in the historic Archbishop’s Seminary on Corso Venezia, the project required a solution to enclose the monumental loggia in a way that felt both lightweight and transparent, while accommodating exceptional dimensions.
Astec engineered motorized sliding glass panels over 6 meters high and up to 2.5 meters wide. These stand out not only for their formal elegance but also for their thermal, acoustic, and structural performance. By integrating stainless steel bearings into the lower track, the weight of the panels is optimally distributed, ensuring effortless movement.
The result is an architectural solution that fuses grandeur and lightness, in perfect harmony with the refined, contemporary language of the entire project. Today, the building also serves as an exhibition venue during Milan’s Fuorisalone, symbolizing a city that innovates while honoring its history.
Astec consultancy lies at the very heart of the design process. It is the ability to engage deeply with architectural choices and transform them into original, high-performing, and coherent technical solutions. It is the bridge between drawing and reality, between concept and material.
In a sector where standardization often prevails, Astec stands out for its ability to deliver tailor-made solutions that blend aesthetics, innovation, and functionality. A vision that elevates consultancy into a true act of creativity.
