A Renovation Project Driven by Community Impact
"The renovation was much more than a construction project. It was an opportunity to renew our commitment to the people we welcome and support every day."
These are the words of Roberto Mineo, President of the Italian Center of Solidarity "Don Mario Picchi" (CeIS) in Rome, which supports vulnerable children and mothers, reflecting on the impact of Geoside's renovation project completed in 2025.
The planning and delivery of the project, made possible through the collaboration of our multidisciplinary team and an ongoing dialogue with the community, demonstrates how renovation initiatives designed with people in mind can generate value beyond environmental benefits, creating a lasting positive impact on both individuals and the wider community.
As with every project, the need to upgrade the CeIS facilities was not approached from a purely technical perspective. Every initiative aimed at improving community well-being begins by listening to those who know, live in, and care about the spaces involved. Alongside upgrading the building systems to improve energy efficiency, the project sought to address the needs, aspirations, and vulnerabilities of the people who use the facility every day.
"The project stemmed from a desire to give something back: a place that truly feels like home," explains Mineo. "We wanted to create spaces that are more welcoming, dignified, and comfortable, capable of providing a sense of security and peace of mind."
To achieve this, Geoside designed a comprehensive renovation program that included the installation of an external thermal insulation system, a photovoltaic plant to support on-site renewable energy generation and self-consumption, and a high-efficiency climate control system.
However, the project extended far beyond energy performance.
Accessibility was a key priority, leading to the removal of all existing architectural barriers within the building. At the same time, the internal spaces were completely reimagined to better support a sense of community and shared living. The new layout improved brightness, functionality, and overall user experience.
From a technical standpoint, the results were significant. The intervention delivered a 26% reduction in energy consumption, while also substantially improving thermal and acoustic comfort throughout the facility.
Yet the most meaningful outcome cannot be measured through numbers alone.
The renovated spaces are quieter, brighter, and more welcoming, helping to create a greater sense of well-being for residents and encouraging stronger social connections and a renewed feeling of belonging.
"This was not simply about upgrading technical systems," Mineo emphasizes. "It was about putting people at the center of the project, transforming outdated spaces into places where residents feel respected and valued, and giving them a place they can truly call home."
The transformation has also been recognized by the surrounding community. More efficient, visually harmonious buildings that are better integrated into the local environment help strengthen a shared sense of responsibility toward the area and its future.
"Energy efficiency has created value that goes far beyond economic savings," concludes Mineo. "It has made our facilities more sustainable, contributed to environmental protection, and generated a tangible, lasting social impact."
For us, renovation means more than improving buildings.
It means creating lasting value: for the facilities themselves, for energy performance, for shared spaces, and above all for the people who live, work, and grow within them.