Masked by an opaque barrier and scaffolding, the Castel d'Andorte heals its wounds out of sight, like a wounded animal. Remaining silent for a long time, the noble house with its thick facades shakes to the rhythm of construction noise. The TMH company teams have been at work since September. Stone, framework, roofing, masonry, the restoration bites into the flesh of the monument. “He needed it,” says Alain Iviglia, manager of the company in charge of rehabilitation.
“Several purges have been carried out. It was necessary to remove coatings, laths and other floors to reveal the structural elements. This makes it possible to refine diagnoses and proposals for changing wood, stone, etc. This is an essential step before engaging secondary trades (plasters, painters, etc.). »
Some pieces have been extensively cleaned
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Drawings and writings were discovered under the wallpaper of the main room on the first floor
A coffee
All decisions are made in consultation with Antoine Bordenave, heritage architect, and Patrice Fauré, work coordinator. A sort of tarpaulin umbrella was erected above the building to stop the infiltrations which had damaged many parts of the Castel d'Andorte when it was unoccupied.
If the schedule is respected, the restoration of the building will be completed in the fall
“We are seeing quite a few disorders,” adds Alain Iviglia, showing blackened parts and weakened joists that will have to be removed and renewed. The state of the facings also testifies to the work to come. Cracked or broken stones that no longer fulfill their role will be replaced. In certain cases, “we make plugs or grafts by changing only part of the stone. This is especially true for cornices,” explains the TMH manager.
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The first floor rotunda.
Listed as a Historic Monument since 2009, the castle – which was a psychiatric hospital in the 19the century – benefits from local supplies.
For now, the construction site is progressing normally. What will its destination be once restored? A café will be created in a room on the ground floor overlooking the enclosed garden. It will be accessible to future users of the premises as well as to all walkers visiting the Chêneraie park. It will offer a small restaurant in tea room style. The reception and offices will complete the ground floor space.
Second phase
Owner of the entire estate since 1990, the City intends to make Castel d'Andorte a third cultural and artistic venue (performing arts, photography, theater, exhibition space, etc.). “We will shortly launch a call for expressions of interest from cultural operators, associations and collectives. Candidates will have two months to position themselves and share their ideas. We will see more clearly at the end,” explain Gwenaël Lamarque, first deputy and Emmanuelle Angelini, deputy for culture.
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This room on the ground floor will house the reception of Castel d'Andorte.
If the schedule is respected, the restoration of the building will be completed in the fall. The budget for this first phase of work is around 3.5 million euros. A second phase including the rehabilitation of the chapel and the baths building will be launched later.
