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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The Gy washyard, located in Haute-Saône, is a utility monument built at the end of the 19th century, marked by its absence of potable water (part dedicated to drinking water), unlike the traditional fountains of Franche-Comté. It is distinguished by its circular plan and its exclusive use of reinforced concrete, an innovation for the time. An annex drinker, rare, completes the whole, while its local designation, "circular wash", underscores its architectural singularity.

The construction of the lagoon is part of a historic quest for water supply in Gy. As early as May 1898, work was under way to strengthen water supply, faced with geological difficulties (unstable soil) requiring the use of cast iron pipes and a reinforced concrete tank, a modern technique proposed by Roquemard House. The architect Maurice Sauterey, seduced by this technology, opts for a circular rather than oblong plan, reducing costs while integrating individual trays per washer, a hygienic innovation inspired by the washyard of Port-Lesney.

The project was officially accepted on August 11, 1898, combining cement concrete and reinforced concrete, with technical specifications provided by the houses Delune and Cie (already active in Haute-Saône for a decade) and Roquemard. Neoclassical references, such as the doric columns of the gallery or the central basin, contrast with modern materials, illustrating a transition between tradition and innovation. The washhouse, a communal property, was listed as historic monuments in 2001 for its historical and technical interest.

Located at the bottom of the city of Gy, rue du Square (or Place Génin according to the sources), the washhouse embodies the evolution of rural water infrastructure at the end of the 19th century. Its inscription as a historical monument in 2001 highlights its role in local history, mixing public utility, technical progress and architectural heritage. The documents mention "a priori satisfactory" location accuracy, with coordinates associated with Rue du Square and Place Génin.

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