The redevelopment project of the former mining site in Ollomont (Aosta Valley, Italy), carried out in collaboration with the Department of Architecture and Design at the Politecnico di Torino, has been featured in the latest issue of ArchAlp—the international journal of Alpine architecture and landscape, published by the IAM – Institute of Mountain Architecture Research Center.
The project stands as a significant recognition for an intervention that successfully integrates historical memory, environmental sustainability, and contemporary architectural expression.
Once an active site of mineral extraction and industrial labor, the former mining complex has been reimagined as a museum and educational center. It now includes facilities for scientific outreach, an archaeometallurgy laboratory, the “Copper Trail” interpretive path, and secured historic mining galleries that are accessible to the public.
The design prioritizes lightweight and reversible construction strategies, fully integrated into the surrounding alpine landscape, and draws inspiration from the site’s original industrial typologies. The new building features a large panoramic glazed façade, a perforated metal skin intersected by linear light cuts, operable brise-soleil elements, and a central courtyard that references the historical entrance to the Sant’Anna gallery. The architectural language emphasizes functionality, adaptability, and strong spatial identity.
This project transforms a former industrial infrastructure into a space dedicated to culture and knowledge, establishing a new landmark for the region and generating added value in both educational and touristic terms.
The project is detailed in issue no. 13 of ArchAlp, titled “Cultural Infrastructures in the Alps: Design between Pedagogy and Local Development.” The issue is available for free download in PDF format or as a printed edition at https://archalp.it.
The full article can be found on pages 94–95.
Sertec Engineering extends its sincere thanks to the Municipality of Ollomont, David Vevey, Roberto Dini, Antonio De Rossi, Cristian Dallere, Fondazione Courmayeur Mont Blanc, Gianluca Odetto, Marco Di Perna, and the entire Sertec team involved in the design and construction management of this heritage redevelopment project.
