Intervention on a Stone Ruin: A Harmonious Fusion of Tradition and Innovation

The CESUGA School of Architecture, in collaboration with Erazo Pugliese, has executed an extraordinary architectural intervention on a historical stone ruin in Arteixo, Spain. This project was part of the III International Conference on Timber 2023 and sought to emphasize the use of wood as a sustainable building material in Galicia’s forestry-rich landscape. The site—a partially collapsed water mill along the Sisalde River Trail—offered a unique opportunity to merge contemporary design with historical preservation, reinforcing a dialogue between past and present architecture.

Reimagining a Historical Ruin with Timber Architecture

The selected ruin, an abandoned water mill devoid of a roof, bore the marks of time through erosion, weathering, and encroaching vegetation. Recognizing the fragility of its stone walls and millstone slab (or pé, as it is known in Galician), the architects established a crucial design constraint: the intervention would not physically alter the existing stone structure. Instead, the new architectural elements would be positioned within the unoccupied earth-covered sections of the ruin, ensuring minimal impact on the historical footprint of the site.

A meticulous site analysis led to the refinement of nine initial design proposals into a single, cohesive vision. The final design was conceived to maximize prefabrication, reducing on-site assembly and ensuring a seamless integration with the existing landscape. This method not only minimized disruption to the natural surroundings but also highlighted the efficiency and adaptability of timber as a primary building material.

Structural Design: A Dialogue Between Old and New

The intervention features a narrow, timber-framed corridor that extends through the ruin, leading visitors toward the millstone—a focal point of historical significance. This design element enhances the visual and spatial experience of the site, guiding visitors through an orchestrated sequence of movement and perspective.

To preserve the integrity of the ruin, the structure was designed to rest primarily on natural soil, with only one point of contact—a stone step that remains independent of the mill’s original foundation. The raised wooden platform extends toward the stream, carefully maintaining a respectful distance from the ruin’s southernmost wall, which is both the tallest and the most fragile. This approach not only protects the historic stone elements but also allows for an uninterrupted appreciation of their timeworn beauty.

A Platform for Contemplation

One of the project’s most striking features is the subtle yet effective level differentiation between the wooden platform and the ruin’s existing stone slab. By cantilevering the platform 20 to 30 cm above the ancient stone, the intervention creates additional floor space without physically resting on the ruin. This architectural decision transforms the platform into an inviting resting point, where visitors can pause to reflect on the site’s history while appreciating its natural surroundings.

Sheltered by a single-pitched roof that mirrors the angle of the ruin’s lost covering, the intervention provides refuge for hikers and visitors traversing the Sisalde River Trail. The combination of warm timber tones against the aged stone textures enhances the sensory experience, creating a space that honors the past while embracing the future of sustainable architecture.

Preserving Heritage Through Contemporary Design

This project is a testament to the power of sensitive architectural intervention—where modern design principles respect and enhance historical legacies. By utilizing timber in a strategic and sustainable manner, the CESUGA School of Architecture and Erazo Pugliese have demonstrated how architecture can breathe new life into forgotten spaces while maintaining a commitment to cultural and environmental preservation.