The redevelopment of the “M. Davanzo” Institute in Ampezzo (Udine) involved a series of integrated interventions aimed at reducing the building’s seismic vulnerability, improving its energy and plant efficiency, and upgrading the facility to comply with fire safety and accessibility regulations.
The most significant aspect of the project concerned the structural strengthening of the building. The works included the installation of Ischebeck Titan micropiles to reinforce both existing and newly built foundations, the construction of new reinforced load-bearing brick masonry walls, and the comprehensive strengthening of the existing reinforced concrete structural frame.
From an architectural perspective, the seismic upgrading works preserved the original morphology and internal layout of the school, maintaining its identity and character. The existing spatial organisation was retained and improved through the installation of new vertical partitions and suspended ceilings in continuous or modular plasterboard systems with anti-collapse, seismic, and fire-resistant performance to ensure safe escape routes.
Some missing functions were integrated within the new structural additions, most notably the installation of a lift. The only significant new architectural element is the external steel emergency staircase located in the rear courtyard.
Energy efficiency improvements focused on the façades, where a rock wool external insulation system was installed together with the complete replacement of the external windows with high-performance timber-aluminium frames, while substantially preserving the original façade openings.
The project was completed with the full refurbishment of the building systems, including entirely new plumbing, heating, electrical, and fire protection installations.
