The Riva Pharmacy project involves the renovation of a mixed-use commercial and residential building located in a small mountain hamlet in the municipality of Belluno.
The existing building was of extremely poor construction quality, with its main façade being the only element to possess any architectural identity.
The aim of the project is to redevelop and bring the existing structure up to standard in accordance with the latest criteria for comfort, usability and safety, whilst keeping the typological characteristics of the main façade virtually unchanged; to this end, the window and door openings were rearranged and the balcony, which had been added later, was demolished.
The rear of the building, on the other hand, was demolished and rebuilt with a volumetric extension, which respected the alignments of the existing main façades. The shape of the roof, constructed from black sheet metal, was simplified with the addition of two dormer windows, to re-establish a connection with the surrounding mountains, particularly the view to the south (Nevegal) and the view to the north (Belluno, Monte Schiara, Monte Serva).
The openings in the side elevations have been repositioned to suit the new interior spaces, whilst retaining the irregular layout of the original building.
The external cladding of the façades is in light-coloured rough plaster, consistent with the surroundings. A stone plinth has been added to the south and east façades.
The windows and doors were specifically designed for this project and constructed with structural glass on the external side, so as to enhance the effect of clean cuts in the masonry.
The interior layout centres on the galenic laboratory, the true symbolic and operational heart of the building, which is in visual contact with the pharmacy’s sales area, the offices and the relaxation area in the attic, from which views of the mountains open up.
The retail areas on the ground floor feature stone flooring and timber-clad walls, whilst in the office and laboratory areas, the partition elements offer high acoustic comfort and antibacterial properties.
The building services have been completely overhauled to meet high quality standards. This system includes the fully automated warehouse for the sorting of medicines.
Published in 100 Italian Projects, 2023 edition, edited by F. Bulgherini, RDE publisher
The Plan Award 2022 Finalist
BigSEE Architecture Award 2023 Winner
