Restoration of Palazzo Arese Borromeo
Year: 2015-2016
Location: Cesano Maderno (MB)
Between 2013 and 2016, Palazzo Arese Borromeo underwent a significant project of conservation restoration and structural consolidation, aimed at reviving the original elegance of one of the most important examples of 17th-century Lombard architecture.
The interventions focused on the facades, the roof of the nymphaeum, and the entrance portal to the private oratory, ensuring the protection of these valuable historical and architectural elements from degradation and environmental damage.
The external surfaces of the palace, marked by detachments, salt efflorescence, and chromatic alterations, were meticulously restored:
• Removal of Damaged Plaster: Degraded layers were removed down to the masonry.
• Treatment of Soluble Salts: Specific poultices were applied for desalination.
• New Plaster and Painting: Macroporous lime-based mortars were used, followed by pigmented limewash glazes to recreate a historically accurate and harmonious chromatic effect.
• Crack Repair: Cracks were consolidated with steel bars and compatible mortars.
The nymphaeum, an integral part of the historic structure, underwent structural consolidation and protective interventions for its roof:
• Roof Covering:
– Removal of damaged roof tiles and recovery of intact ones.
– Creation of a new insulation system, including wooden sheathing, a vapor barrier, and a fiberglass-bitumen sub-tile sheet.
– Replacement and restoration of the skylight.
• Wooden Structure:
– Anti-woodworm treatment and consolidation of trusses to ensure the structural stability of the roof.
The decorative granite portal required specific restoration measures:
• Cleaning: Non-invasive techniques, such as micro-sandblasting and poultices, were used to remove black crusts and accumulated dirt.
• Consolidation: Cracks were stitched, and the surface was reinforced with ethyl silicate-based products.
• Protection: A siloxane-based protective coating was applied to resist environmental damage.
• Wooden Door Restoration: Sanding, filling of gaps, and finishing with natural waxes to recover its original appearance.
OBJECTIVES
• Preserve and enhance the historical and artistic value of the complex.
• Recover the original appearance of architectural and decorative elements.
• Ensure the usability of the palace for cultural and touristic purposes.
RESULTS
• Facades: Restored to a uniform chromatic appearance, perfectly harmonizing with the original architecture.
• Nymphaeum: Protected with a new roof covering, recovered tiles, and a restored skylight.
• Oratory Portal: Stone and wooden elements were enhanced, preserving their artistic and historical value.
The restoration of Palazzo Arese Borromeo represents a significant intervention for the conservation of Lombard cultural heritage. By employing modern techniques and compatible materials, the project fully respected the historical integrity of the complex, returning the palace to its original elegance and safeguarding it for future generations.
This exemplary intervention demonstrates how tradition and innovation can coexist, protecting a cultural asset that continues to serve as a cornerstone of the historical and artistic identity of Cesano Maderno and Lombardy.
