ACPV Architects transforms Turin military barracks into Reply House tech hub

ACPV ARCHITECTS (Antonio Citterio Patricia Viel) has converted the historic De Sonnaz military barracks in Turin, Italy, into Reply House, a 20,500 m² campus dedicated to innovation and applied artificial intelligence. The adaptive reuse project spans two city blocks, preserving the original architectural character, distribution, and imposing presence while introducing advanced AI labs, flexible offices, and collaborative workspaces. UniFor developed custom partition systems, cladding, and finishes to accommodate the pre-existing structure's brick vaults, historic arches, and high ceilings, including glazed divisions over five meters tall. Walnut wood clads the original arches and integrates with a reception desk made from a repurposed pharmacy cabinet. The corporate ecosystem features acoustic panels, writing surfaces, metal cladding for technical areas, and workstations based on Antonio Citterio's Spring System. Institutional spaces include boardrooms with coffered ceilings and integrated libraries evoking Turin's historic cafés. A 100-seat underground auditorium with retractable seating and a mobile stage hosts conferences and tech events while harmonizing with the former barracks' structural remnants. The project demonstrates how heritage buildings can accommodate contemporary functions without compromising identity or historical memory.