E.12 WATERPROOFING THE HALL

After noting that damp is one of the main problems involved in preserving the hall beneath us, we have made waterproofing and drainage in the area behind this space a priority. We think that a pool of water had formed above it, and water was filtering down and damaging the structure, the walls and the painting, even leading to actual leaks.

The perfect solution has been found to protect the features and materials that decorate the inside of this main space in the galleries. The process has involved a hydrogeological study of the area, which has enabled us to clearly identify the points where water was coming in and therefore consider work that besides waterproofing the terrace above would collect and drain off the water accumulating at the back of the hall, in the space between the hall and the cliffside. The result is a much more specific action than expected, which goes directly to the heart of the problem, optimising and saving on resources.

Project drawn up: Mikel Escajedo San Epifanio and Juan Antonio Olmos Prieto, architects