project | restoration of the
former "maglio maggiore"
ponte nossa (bg)2017
Although the water-powered hammers along the Nossa stream are very old, no accurate information is available about their origin. However, it is a well-known fact that iron has been used in connection with water in the area of the Municipality of Ponte Nossa since the year 1000. This relationship with water provides the basis for the business mentality and skills in Val Nossana thanks to which the first proto-industrial metalworking buildings were built.
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- © archos archives
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- © archos archives
© archos archives
Today, the “Maglio Maggiore” water-powered hammer is in ruins, the roof and some walls have collapsed, the area of the building cannot be accessed due to vegetation and debris, and the structure that remains is in poor condition. The project aims to maintain and preserve the remaining parts of the former building, in order to make the area accessible to visitors.
© archos archives
The remaining walls of the building of the water-powered hammer will be “caged” using electro-welded iron mesh supported by U-shaped profiles with the aim of supporting and not letting the remaining structure collapse. In addition, these metal profiles will be used to trace the outline of the former roof. Using metal elements exposed to natural oxidation is a design choice, as such elements are reminiscent of the history of metalworking in the entire area.