Restoration Works at Palazzo Litta
Year: 2019
Location: Milan
The restoration and the adaptation of the technical systems in the noble rooms on the first floor of Palazzo Litta represented an essential intervention for the enhancement, modernization, and usability of the complex.
The project included:
Renewal of electrical wiring.
Installation of cable ducts and electrified tracks for lighting. Special attention was given to the frames and vaults, with a detailed analysis of their structural stability, material composition, and detected deterioration.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVESTIGATIONS
• Assess the stability of the decorative frames and vaults at critical points.
• Identify structural voids, cracks, detachments, and salt efflorescence.
PREPARATION
• Removal of incoherent deposits with soft brushes and synthetic sponges.
• Verification of the paint layer and plaster through preliminary tests.
CONSOLIDATION
• Application of synthetic resin emulsion to consolidate plaster and paint layer.
• Injection of hydraulic mortar into damaged areas.
PROTECTION
• Temporary bandaging of affected areas before drilling to prevent detachments.
DRILLING AND SYSTEM PASSAGES
• Creation of 4 cm diameter holes using a core drill.
• Supervision during all drilling phases.
• Cable insertion followed by removal of bandaging, cleaning, plastering, and chromatic reintegration.
RESTORATION AND FINISHING
• Plastering with compatible mortars and lime-based glazes to chromatically unify restored areas.
• Specific desalination interventions in rooms with salt efflorescence.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE MAINTENANCE
• Schedule periodic inspections to verify the stability of the consolidated areas.
• Monitor the effectiveness of anti-salt treatments and consolidations.
The modernization of the technical systems in the noble rooms of Palazzo Litta, with the support of restorers, has helped preserve the decorative and architectural heritage of the noble floor.
The interventions, carried out after verifying the most suitable passages within highly valuable decorative areas, complied with conservation principles and were completed with the full restoration of small sections of frames and vaults affected by the work, ensuring the stability of the new technological systems.
