Quartiere Pianello

Here is a description of our project.

Restoration costs total Euro747.080,00
(US$1,032,456.00)

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The Project:

The restoration, vital to save the architecture of this structure, must be handled by knowledgeable and expert engineers. Logically, the initial work, as a matter of emergency, is for immediate  intervention on the roof with first the demolition of the existing roof, which is collapsing and beyond repair, substitution of rotted beams and rafters, laying a layer of pre stressed concrete, castings to relieve the burden on the slope of the roof and bracing the whole structure with terracotta tiles, lightening the entire structure. Replacement of all roofing distribution channels, roof gutters and down pipes.

The interior needs urgent intervention, especially on the brick vault to repair extensive damage and cracks which are very worrying. Many areas of the vault are sagging dangerously, caused by the infiltration of rain water. The vault will need reinforcing.

Another intervention which will require expert attention is the elimination of humidity. Evidently, because of veins and hair line cracks, we can see that the walls are impregnated with water, and like a sponge are absorbing and retaining water. The damage by water and humidity is visibly creeping along the walls.

In particular the dampness has damaged the high altar, as well as the two lateral altars. These altars  constitute a precious historical and artistic element of the church and it is absolutely dangerous to delay any longer. An innovative and technical intervention is urgent from persons highly qualified, not only for thorough cleaning and removal of centuries of deposits on the surface, but also for cohesion and stabilisation the altars, clamping the marble slabs on the high altar and hydraulic injection of lime and resin, filling where needed. A part of the high altar will need to be re constructed because the marble has been compromised by humidity.

Today, as a result of technical research in this specialised field, there are resins which form a barrier against humidity and rising damp which will need to be used.

Other interventions on the exterior include the plugging and filling of cavities used by nesting pigeons and the positioning of grates near distribution water channels, gutters and down pipes.

The base of the bell tower appears to be crumbling and the twin bells appear to be supported only by the pivot pins. The bell tower needs urgent work and replacement of pivot pins.

So far as electrical work is concerned, the engineers must provide for regulation lightening conductors and renew the complete interior and exterior electrical system according to laws in force. Naturally, the new lighting system must be executed in a manner to exalt the valuable and beautiful art works by Ventura Salimbeni, and the valuable organs, which also require restoration by craftsmen of great skill.

The estimated cost, for the above structural work which must be engineered in a scientific and exact manner is attached.

Il Tecnico

Arch. Marco Matteucci.