Covered Market of Saint Michael

The central market with thirty-six shops is part of a large revitalization project in the vicinity of the historic center of the Italian city of Mestre. The market, offering fresh regional foods, is located near the main square Piazza Erminio Ferretto. One of the client's requirements was to provide sellers and their customers with a functional and pleasant environment that simultaneously maintains a strong connection to the city. The narrow triangular plot is bordered on two sides by an artificial canal that can be navigated to the Venetian lagoon. On the northern side, the market is adjacent to a seven-story residential building. The new ground-level structure made of glued wooden trusses has replaced the temporary market made of shipping containers and textile canopies. The construction used 480 m³ of glued laminated beams and 130 m³ of CLT panels. The roof structure covering an area of 2000 m² is supported by circular steel columns. The north-facing roof segments are covered with corrugated polycarbonate panels. This solution allowed for natural lighting while avoiding direct sunlight. A gap remains between the corrugated metal façade and the roof structure, allowing fresh air to flow into the interior, thus eliminating the need for additional air conditioning. The roof structure, with 70 cm high trusses, remains exposed, giving the market a sense of nobility. Less than five months elapsed from the start of construction to the grand opening.