A must-see
article | Reading time2 min
In the attic of one of Mont-Dauphin's barracks, discover an impressive Philibert Delorme-style framework over 250 metres long!
Barracks on the rampart
Mont-Dauphin's Rochambeau barracks were built in the 18th century to house over 600 soldiers. Blending into the southern rampart of the fortified village, it was equipped with a roof terrace from the outset.
Its purpose? To enable soldiers to use this platform to defend the fortress in the event of a siege.
Unfortunately, heavy snowfalls in the Hautes-Alpes region caused water to seep in, endangering the building. The artillery terrace was therefore roofed and framed in the 19th century.
Pierre Barrot - Centre des monuments nationaux
Philibert Delorme's original process
This is where Philibert de l'Orme (or Delorme) comes in, or rather his idea (he lived during the Renaissance)! His small-wood framing method was chosen because it offered a number of advantages, not least of which was the use of small pieces of wood (1.20 meters maximum).
At the time, it was difficult to find whole tree trunks, as all the wood from the region was sent to Marseille to supply shipyards.
In addition, Philibert Delorme's process made it possible to conserve the available space without the need for central pillars to support the framework. This configuration made the attic of the barracks a fine training and storage area for the troops.
In the 19th century, the entire barracks was covered by this magnificent framework, much to our delight!
Today, the eastern part of the framework, restored in 2015, houses the contemporary art exhibition "Little Bighorn, by Ousmane Sow".
Find out more about the exhibition "Little Bighorn, by Ousmane Sow".
Pierre Barrot - Centre des monuments nationaux
