The project has retained the original walls, but now harbours a new program: that of a cultural centre curated by the Dolomiti Contemporanee association. "We thought of maintaining the original walls so that the date [of the disaster] would remain printed in the building," says Stella.
The renovation process included a partial demolition of the building, structural adaptation, and an effort to preserve the external surfaces. The ground floor was enlarged up to the limit of the northern façade, reinforcing the foundations. A new reinforced concrete frame, adjacent to the walls, helps support the building's floors.
The renovation determined the addition of a metallic external/internal staircase, alongside a platform, creating an emerging volume that crowns the building, offering visitors the opportunity to admire the striking natural surroundings. "We built over what had remained," states the architect, "seeking to produce a connection between the [contemporary and past] dimensions."
Location: Casso, Erto e Casso, Italy
Architect and project supervisor: Valentino Stella
Client: Erto e Casso Municipality
Collaborators: Maurizio Olivier, Oscar Pivetti
Structural engineering: Luca Brancher, Paolo Pesce, Pietro Canton
Contractors: Bellotto Impianti S.r.l., Concordia Sagittaria (VE); Biz Graziano di R. & R. Biz S.n.c., Belluno (fixtures); Str Infissi, Belluno (fixtures); Cerentin F.lli, Belluno (metals); Naonis S.r.l., Porcia (PN) (photovoltaics)
Construction cost: 819,50 €/square metre
Area and volume:921 square metres; 3,150 cubic metres
Completion: 2011 Permanent art work: Oscar Pivetti, Ossessionato dal vento
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