Restoration of a historic villa

Every restoration project is, first and foremost, a dialogue with time. For the renovation of this historic villa in Trentino, the work began with a careful analysis of the existing structure, systematically addressing various issues through specific, coordinated solutions.

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The first step focused on cleaning and restoring the surfaces, a crucial process for bringing out the materials’ natural character without disrupting their balance. The use of neutral cleaners such as NOVAPIETRA BIO, for removing biological patinas, and NOVAPIETRA N, designed for more delicate surfaces, allowed for effective yet non-aggressive treatment, preserving the material identity of the substrate.

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Now that the preliminary phase is complete, the project has moved into the core phase of the masonry restoration, specifically addressing the critical issues related to the presence of salts and moisture. The restoration system combined the T SAL anti-salt treatment with specific solutions to ensure the migration and evaporation of moisture: from the DRY RIN anti-salt scratch coat to the DRY SOFT Dehumidifier plaster, finished with a Skim plaster natural hydraulic lime NHL5, T A01, to ensure material continuity and breathability.

Particular attention was paid to walls in direct contact with the ground, where operating conditions require even more specialized performance. Here too, the T SAL anti-salt treatment was combined with DRY PLUS, a plaster specifically designed for the restoration of masonry subject to persistent moisture, finished with T A01 in natural hydraulic lime (NHL5). A system designed to work over time, supporting the masonry through a process of natural rebalancing.

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The project also included major structural reinforcement work, carried out using CRM FRCM solutions.

In areas where deeper reinforcement was necessary, the CRM system combined structural mortar FORTE CALCE with the ARMIS VETROAR 50×50 bidirectional mesh and the ARMIS VETROAR FIOCCO connection system, secured with ARMIS BFLUID CONNECT. The project was completed with Skim plaster T A01, resulting in a finish that combines mechanical performance with compatibility with historic masonry.

Where the project called for more streamlined solutions with thinner layers, the FRCM system—based on structural skim coat—was used FORTE RASO, the ARMIS VETROAR 20×20 mesh, and the same connection and fastening systems, all finished with T A01.

Finally, the construction team also addressed the issues of comfort and efficiency by applying VOLCALITE, a thermal insulation plaster made from natural hydraulic lime (NHL5). This choice underscores how contemporary restoration is not merely about preservation, but also about the ability to enhance a building’s performance while respecting its history.

The result is a construction site where every aspect of the work interacts with the others within a cohesive design, featuring breathable solutions, compatible systems, and targeted interventions addressing various critical issues. It is a concrete example of how thoughtful design that respects the existing structure can strike a balance between technique, materials, and time.

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