The tower is of medieval origin. After the top of the tower collapsed, the structure was strengthened and partially rebuilt. The new part wa
BATTIGIO TOWER (XII-XV century) it is situated in the ancient rout between the Milan Dukedom and Switzerland, it was a watchtower, and garrison place. Collapsed before of 1820, deprived of the last floor and of the roof, images of the tower before the downfall don’t exist. The masonries have been consolidated using traditional techniques to base of hydraulic mortar, stone of recovery, and metal bars. The 4° floor has been completely reinvented using a modern architectural language, employing materials and techniques both traditional and contemporary. Some characteristic elements, as for instance the roof, has been reinterpreted in contemporary key. To the edge beam of the 4° floor a structure in steel is suspended and sustains the floorboards and the staircases. A bright channel, from the skylight of the roof to the ground floor crosses the inserts in the wooden-steel floors made of wooden steel. It created a game of lights and views among the various levels. It hosts various art-exhibitions and cultural events.
Credits: project leader and building site supervision: Gianni Bretto project team: Maurizio Bracco, Marilena De Biase, with Francesco Bellezza, Andrea Fre, Manuele e Daniele Tini, Piero Revellino safety: Marilena De Biase structural engineering: Gianni Bretto electrical engineering: Maurizio Tabachi responsible for the procedure and supervisor: Alberto Rabaglietti ( Municipality of Vanzone –S. Carlo) graphic design: Roberto Rolando general contractor: Cogeis Spa steel stuctures: Echgeotech crystal-steel windows : P.Revellino & A. Avena wooden floorboards: Dinetti Bois masonries : Silvio e Stefano Tabachi wooden-stone roof: Ediltetti (Luca Vanoli) Timing: 2001-2003 project 2003-2006 building 2007 opening 2010-2001 : exhibit design (project and execution) realization of the exhibit design: carpentry enterprise Umberto Altana buyer: Vanzone con San Carlo Municipality Project co-funded by the European Union with the Docup 2000/06 program, Province of Verbano Cusio Ossola, Area Integrated Plan (P.I.A.)
Studio di Architettura Gianni Bretto
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