Padiglione Vanke (Cina) EXPO
Milan, Italy
- Location
Milan, Italy
- Client
Comune di Milano - EXPO 2015
- Sector
- Year
2015
FES Global Group took part in the construction of the China Vanke Pavilion at Expo Milano 2015, one of the most iconic and innovative architectural projects of the entire World Expo.
Designed by world-renowned architect Daniel Libeskind, the pavilion was commissioned by Vanke, one of the world’s largest real estate companies, to represent the essence of modern Chinese urban life. The structure combined design innovation, sustainability, and advanced construction technologies, becoming a landmark of architectural creativity and technical precision.
The client's goal:
To guarantee both fire protection and long-term structural durability, FES was appointed by the City of Milan – Expo 2015 to perform a specialised industrial surface treatment on the pavilion’s steel framework.
The intervention included the application of a certified intumescent primer and a protective anti-corrosion finish, ensuring compliance with international safety standards while maintaining the pavilion’s distinctive visual appearance designed by Daniel Libeskind.
Our work
Mechanical cleaning of surfaces using compressed-air abrasives to remove rust, scale, old paint, and impurities, creating a rough profile optimal for coating adhesion.
Applied to load-bearing steel structures, intumescent coatings expand under heat, forming an insulating barrier in case of fire. All treatments were carried out in full compliance with fire safety regulations for public buildings and airport infrastructure.
Applied treatments prevent material degradation caused by chemical and atmospheric agents. These protective coatings extend the life and functionality of steel surfaces, forming a barrier against oxidation and aggressive substances.
Results
Through this integrated surface treatment, combining intumescent fire protection and anti-corrosion finishing, FES helped the China Vanke Pavilion meet the stringent performance and safety requirements of EXPO Milano 2015.
The project stands as a successful example of industrial coating excellence applied to architectural design, ensuring structural safety, visual quality, and long-term resistance.
Designed by Daniel Libeskind, the pavilion remains one of the most photographed and admired structures of the exhibition. A symbol of how technical performance and aesthetics can coexist in modern construction.
