EVALUATION OF MORTARS, WATERPROOFING AND BIOCIDE TREATMENTS, AND MICROBIOLOGICAL STUDY FOR THE RESTORATION OF THE MAIN FAÇADE OF THE ORIXE ZULOAGA SCHOOL.
The Orixe Ikastola, located in the Zuloaga building on Aldamar Street in San Sebastian, is an emblematic case of architectural intervention in a heritage site, combining the preservation of its historical value with adaptation to the functional requirements of a contemporary educational centre. This building, deeply rooted in the urban fabric of the Old Part of San Sebastian, has been the object of various actions aimed at guaranteeing its conservation, safety and efficiency.
🛠️ Background information
🏗️ Integral Rehabilitation (2004-2007)
Between 2004 and 2007, the building underwent a major comprehensive refurbishment directed by the architect José Mari Querejeta, with the aim of adapting it to house a haurreskola and classrooms for children from 2 to 7 years of age. The intervention, which respected the original architectural elements, involved an investment of close to 5 million euros, of which 800,000 euros were specifically earmarked for the restoration of the façades.
♻️ Efficiency and sanitation improvement
🧱 Performance in the Urgull building (2016)
The Urgull building, also part of the Orixe Ikastola, was remodelled in 2016 to improve its thermal insulation, prevent damp and remove asbestos-containing elements. The intervention included a new insulating façade, the waterproofing of terraces and improvements to the envelope, with a budget of approximately 417,000 euros, financed jointly by the Donostia City Council and the Basque Government.
🧱 Recent restoration of facade
🏛️ Intervention in 2024
Due to the progressive deterioration of the sandstone on the main façade of the Zuloaga building, which was at risk of falling off, an urgent restoration was approved in 2024. The project, drawn up by Zetabi Arkitektura Bulegoa, contemplates actions such as:
- Stone cleaning
- Elimination of biotic colonisation
- Replacing joints with hydraulic lime mortar
- Repair of cornices and original woodwork
This action, with a budget of 376,000 euros and a completion period of six months, aims to guarantee structural safety and preserve the historical value of the building.
🧩 Framework for our intervention
It is in this context of continuous actions on the building that our intervention proposal is framed, which seeks to give continuity to the conservation work, incorporating current technical solutions, compatible with the architectural identity of the building and its educational requirements. Our action aims to be a respectful and effective contribution, ensuring the functionality, accessibility and sustainability of the building in the present and in the future..