Excerpt: Watermill on the Crag, an adaptive reuse project by Bruno Dias arquitectura, requalifies the structure while respecting its existing architectural language and context. The development was cost-limited, aiming to maximise the reuse of existing mill elements. This local lodging project serves as a place of refuge for blending with nature along with the comforts and expectations of modern living.
Project Description
“There is no humanity without technical objects, just as there is no humanity without language.”
– Edmond Couchot
[Text as submitted by architect] Downstream, just a few miles from the spring of the Alge Creek, two imposing cliff faces appear—massive walls ripped by creek and time alike. The Crags of Saint Simon are indeed imposing and of unmatched beauty. Refreshed by the crystal-clear waters of the creek and its distinctive vegetation, they bestow upon the place a magical feeling of peace and tranquillity, where nature and humankind become one. The sound of the running water and birds and the solemnity of the rock faces provide those enjoying the location with an unforgettable encounter with nature.
One hikes down the path, once opened by the strength of bare arms with the help of a mule, to set off on a journey through time. Finding, at the feet of the crags, where creek and margins blend, an old inactive watermill and an oven that used to bake bread with wheat and corn flour straight from the grindstones.
This local lodging project is born out of respect for the existing language and aims to requalify the constructions and their context, faithfully respecting, as much as possible, its past use.
The development was cost-limited, aiming to maximise reuse of existing mill elements. Therefore, the project is focused on a resolution of the interior by using a single-material covering: pinewood, one of the natural elements of the region. External interventions are limited to window frames (replaced by new double-glazed wooden frames) and thermal improvements to the roof. Internal spaces are drawn per their function, their lighting, and their purpose of well-being.
Four distinct spaces were created: rest, hygiene, meals, and leisure. The combined result is increased thermal comfort in the building and better potential for its use. The target audience is of middle or upper-middle socioeconomic class, both nationals and foreigners. This is a place of refuge for blending with nature and the comforts and expectations of modern living.
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