The Santo Volto di Gesù Parish Complex (Rome, Magliana district) was created using 4,750 Janus 19 x 19 x 8 cm glass blocks with unique characteristics.

In this case, in fact, the Sartogo studio, which received the design job, requested exclusive customization based on the specific design requirements for lighting within the building. The block, never previously used, has two different coupled sides: one smooth and one textured. This new type of glass block was made thanks to a revolutionary production line, one-of-a-kind in the world, that required SEVES Vetroarredo to invest 2.5 million euros, allowing it to produce glass blocks with one side different from the other under ideal industrial conditions.

Once again, Maison Hermès in Tokyo built in 2001 was the Italian group’s keystone: in fact, the extraordinarily large Hermès block, 42.8 cm x 42.8 cm, has two different sides, one smooth and one wavy. From the same production technology and transposition of a brilliant design idea into standard products came the Janus block, whose combination in this case was specially made for the Santo Volto di Gesù project.

It must be pointed out that, in this case as well, SEVES was faced with a difficult design challenge and provided the designer its know-how and advanced technology, positively responding to an original request, crucial to the success of the design idea.

Thus confirming the Italian multinational’s strategic declaration to offer designers a company capable of realizing projects and special “made-to-order” products that decisively promote the design choice to use the glass block.

SEVES, and in particular the Vetroarredo brand, proves that is synonymous with state-of-the-art products and technology for the architectural world, a company strongly devoted to experimentation and innovation.

Design studio: Sartogo Architetti Associati

Glass block: SEVES Vetroarredo Janus CD (smooth + textured)

Project inauguration date: March 2006