Frontal view of the glass cube of the Apple Store in Milan at dusk. From the outside, the cube is set in scene by water fountains.

maximum transparency through innovative adhesives technology

all-glass cube for apple store in milan

In the heart of Milan, just steps away from the famous cathedral, Apple created an architectural statement with its Piazza Liberty store. While the store itself is located underground, the entrance is striking: a transparent glass cube, flanked by water fountains, forms a dramatic gateway to the retail space.

 

adhesives technology in all-glass architecture

The all-glass cube, measuring 12 m in width, 8 m in height and 2.5 m in depth, is composed of four façade panels along each long side and a single panel on each of the short sides and the roof. The standout feature: all glass panels are connected solely by structural silicone – with no visible stainless steel fittings.

This makes the construction a prime example of innovative adhesives technology in façade engineering. The use of advanced adhesives technology enables an exceptionally clean aesthetic and maximum transparency, giving the entrance its signature visual lightness.

Façade type
Structural glass
Client
Apple, Inc.
Engineer
Eckersley O’Callaghan
Architect
Foster + Partners
Awards

World Architecture News Awards 2019
Prix Versailles Special prize Exterior Award 2019 – Shops & Stores

Side view of the glass cube of the Apple Store in Milan. The long sides of the cube are made up of 4 panes, each 8 metres high.
Oblique view of the short side of the glass cube of the Apple Store in Milan. There is a large Apple logo on the narrow entrance side. The long sides of the glass cube are surrounded by water fountains.

adhesives technology as part of the load-bearing concept

One of the key structural challenges was the reinforcement of the long sides of the cube, especially due to the large cut-out for the entrance door on the front face. As a solution, the glass panels on the short sides are mechanically fixed at the base within the plane of the façade, while all other connections rely solely on bonding.

The entire construction operates without a conventional substructure: the glass panels themselves provide both load-bearing capacity and lateral bracing.

#madebyseele

Design, manufacture and installation of an all-glass cuboid – with structural silicone bonding and without visible mechanical fixings

12 m
long cuboid
8 m
high
11
glass panes
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