"CASE CASINE CASETTE CASONE" exhibition

The former Caserma Ghisleni on Via Masone has undergone extensive transformations over the years, both functional and typological. It was first built as a mill in the sixteenth century, converted into a cotton mill in the nineteenth century and then a technical school in the early twentieth century until becoming the police station in 1927, which it remained until the Carabinieri left the building. It was put up for public auction and was bought by Percassi, from the provinces of Bergamo, and is currently undergoing a thorough and precise redevelopment process. Despite the alarming state it had fallen into, the building has always held an important role in defining the historic appearance of Via Masone, thanks to its regular formal and physical expression created by the brick perimeter walls and design of the facades, characterised by their sobriety and regular openings with important frames. This peculiarity led the Lombard Department of Architectural Heritage to directly protect the building under the 22.12.2006 protection bill. The restoration and conservation work is intended to improve its new residential function, without altering these characteristics. Radical work on the floor structures was required due to the very low ceilings; they were demolished and rebuilt so as to provide the required minimum height. This created an opportunity to improve the interior with new Sansovino wood floorboards, which will be left exposed, supported by a stainless steel load-bearing structure inserted into the building envelope. The new central staircase, also built with a steel structure, will be entirely covered in wood and lit naturally. The outdoor space is paved with porphyritic stone from Branzi and will have a lawn area with trees and bushes. A small, independent structure located near the entrance gate, will be connected to the underground car park and contain a shared space over two levels: a spa and children’s play area with a protected and sheltered outdoor part.

PROJECT
aMDL Architetto Michele De Lucchi Srl - Michele De Lucchi

PROJECT TEAM
Giovanna Latis (project leader), Matteo Del Marco,
Filippo Meda
Greta Rosset (graphic design)

CONSULTANTS
Breda Mario, Brena Falegnami (building contractor); AreaOdeon (facade lighting); Sp Systema (graphic production)

CLIENT
Percassi

AREA 
1.200 mq

CHRONOLOGY
2014 (design and completion)

PHOTOGRAPHY
Alessndra Chemollo