Restoration of the Terragni Chapel in the Uggiate Trevano Cemetery
Year: 2019-2020
Location: Uggiate Trevano (CO)
The restoration of the cemetery of Uggiate Trevano (Como) is part of a project aimed at recovering and enhancing the rationalist architectural heritage of the 20th century. The complex, built in 1938 based on a design by engineer Attilio Terragni, consists of:
• Main chapel, characterized by exposed brick facades, a terracotta bas-relief by Giuseppe Mozzanica depicting the Deposition, and an interior mural painting by Torildo Conconi representing the Crucifixion.
• Mortuary chamber, featuring brick facades and an underground crypt.
• Columbaria, distinguished by brick facades and decorative crosses, one of which is attributed to Mozzanica.
The main objectives of the intervention are the preservation of the original materials, the improvement of structural conditions, and the artistic enhancement of the main chapel and the works it contains.
MAIN CHAPEL
• Brick surfaces: Presence of surface deposits, biological patina, deterioration of mortar joints, and moisture stains in the upper sections.
• Terracotta bas-relief (Deposition): Presence of biological colonization, black crusts, exfoliation, localized erosion, inadequate old fillings, and material loss.
• Mural painting (Crucifixion): Atmospheric dirt, layers of overpainting, hygroscopic salts causing detachment and loss of the paint film, lime residues, and abrasions.
BRICK SURFACES
• Cleaning with nebulized water, sponges, and broom brushes.
• Application of biocides to remove biological patina.
• Reintegration of joints with natural hydraulic lime-based mortars.
• Final protection with a transparent polysiloxane protective coating.
TERRACOTTA BAS-RELIEF (DEPOSITION)
• Removal of loose deposits using brushes and vacuum cleaners.
• Manual removal of biological vegetation.
• Consolidation with ethyl silicate and hydraulic mortars.
• Filling cracks and gaps with low-salt hydraulic mortar.
• Application of a polysiloxane water-repellent protective coating.
WALL PAINTING (CRUCIFIXION)
• Surface cleaning with soft brushes, Wishab sponges, and demineralized water.
• Removal of overpainting and lime layers using scalpels and poultices.
• Anti-salt treatment to reduce the effects of hygroscopic salts.
• Filling with hydraulic mortars and pictorial reintegration with watercolors.
INTERIOR COVERAGE
• Refurbishment of waterproofing and inspection of gutters.
• Cleaning of stone coverings and restoration of the summit cross.
• Consolidation of interior plaster and replacement of the flooring.
• Restoration of window frames and adaptation of electrical systems.
CLEANING
• Use of soft brushes and nebulized water for terracotta and brick surfaces.
• Use of Wishab sponges and demineralized water for the mural painting.
CONSOLIDATION
• Treatment of stone surfaces with ethyl silicate and hydraulic mortars.
• Application of acrylic resins to consolidate pictorial surfaces.
PROTECTION
• Final protection with polysiloxane coatings to ensure water repellency and long-term durability.
• Specific treatments based on functionalized silica.
• Preservation of heritage: Ensuring the durability and stability of the buildings while respecting the original materials.
• Artistic enhancement: Restoring the readability and accessibility of the works by Mozzanica and Conconi.
The restoration of the chapel of the cemetery of Uggiate Trevano represents an emblematic example of conservative intervention on a rationalist complex. The adopted techniques aim to preserve the site’s historical and artistic integrity, ensuring its public enjoyment and long-term conservation.
