RESTORATION
“Never demolish, remove or replace; always add, transform, and reuse.” Anne Lacaton and Jean Philippe Vassal. THE MILL appeared to us as a classic case of an old factory, with spaces built improvisationally and terribly maintained over the years, clearly in need of major renovation. However, it was well located and had a strong character, with the potential needed for the Serpis Vivo Project. It was only later that we discovered the beauty of its hydraulic infrastructure, the robustness of its construction, and the uniqueness of its spaces. The architecture and the site are unusual and appealing, but the building is very large and complex, so its restoration requires ingenuity, sensitivity, and sound judgement to achieve a harmonious and appropriate fusion between two eras: the past and the present. The guiding motto has been the famous “less is more”: minimizing the interventions we make and the resources we use to maximize the natural beauty and functionality of the place for its new uses. To carry out the project, several radical decisions must be made: - Remove the roofs. - Simplify and reinforce the existing structures. - Highlight all the infrastructure linked to the river’s hydraulic use. - Improve access and the connection between the building, the site, and the surrounding environment. The project pays special attention to routes and circulation, seeking to inspire and help visitors understand the building while maintaining the privacy of the different uses and spaces. As for the overall aesthetic, the aim is a fusion of old and modern: the juxtaposition of wooden beams, lime-plastered brick vaults, structural masonry vaults, and stonework walls, combined with a thoughtful technological use of concrete, glass and metal.
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