Project Details
Type | Adaptive Reuse – Competition
Award | 6th Place Winner – Reuse Italy
Year | June 2024
Location | Châtel-Argent, Villeneuve, Italy
Keywords | Historic Preservation, Pavilion
Team | Derek Lap Yin Wong, Simon Xu, Zhihao Lee
Project Description
Perched on a rocky terrace above the Aosta Valley, Châtel-Argent stands as a timeless sentinel. The “Rebirth of Châtel-Argent” project reimagines this ancient fortress as a refuge where history, nature, and modernity meet.
By repurposing the tower and chapel, it becomes a welcoming center that deepens the bond between people and place. The project enhances the site’s role in the valley by offering housing, shared bathrooms, and safety features like railings and walking trails.
Refuge shelters, tucked behind fortress walls, follow the land’s natural contours for privacy and views. Polished aluminum panels echo the silvery historic stones, blending into the landscape, while slanted roofs and lightweight steel frames ensure sustainability. The dining hall and reception area connect cultures and eras, offering comfort amid historical beauty.
Link to Competition
www.reuseitaly.com/competitions/reuse-the-fortress-villeneuve/
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