Restoration of Villa “I Platani”
Year: 2015-2016
Location: Lago di Como
The interventions were conducted in two phases, focusing on the villa’s roof and the perimeter wall facing the lake.
INTERVENTIONS PERFORMED
The interventions aimed to halt degradation, preserve recoverable materials, and ensure the attic’s safety:
Removal of Existing Covering:
Tiles were selected, cleaned, and stacked for reuse as top tiles.
Replacement of the Wooden Structure:
Complete renewal of the wooden framework, including small, medium, and large beams.
Structural Consolidation:
Installation of reinforced concrete beams along the perimeter walls.
Insertion of steel tie rods to reinforce central walls.
Protective Treatments:
Application of anti-woodworm and anti-fungal impregnating agents to the wood.
Construction of the New Roof:
Installation of collaborative fir wood planks and a waterproof membrane with thermal insulation.
Reuse of recovered tiles as top tiles and new under-tiles secured with copper tile clips.
The perimeter wall, essential for containing the soil and defining the outdoor spaces, showed severe signs of degradation and collapse risks:
Structural Instability: Deformations, bulges, and disintegrated mortar.
High Risk of Collapse: Evident loss of cohesion and pressure from the soil behind the wall.
INTERVENTIONS PERFORMED
The interventions allowed the reconstruction of a safe wall while respecting the original historical appearance:
Site Preparation:
• Securing the area with fencing for safety.
• Manual removal of gravel and turf.
Controlled Demolition:
• Manual disassembly of the wall to avoid harmful vibrations.
• Stepwise excavation to stabilize the soil.
Foundation Construction:
• Reinforced concrete foundations with FeB44K steel bars for a solid base.
• Insertion of drainage pipes and installation of a waterproof membrane.
Construction of the New Wall:
• Internal structure made of reinforced concrete, clad with recovered stone blocks perfectly integrated.
Finishing:
• Backfilling with gravel for effective drainage.
• Restoration of the lawn and pedestrian pathway.
Technical Data of the Wall
Foundation Slab: 50 cm thick.
Wall Height: 2.35 m.
Foundation Brackets: 90 cm (valley side) and 140 cm (mountain side).
The restoration works ensured the conservation and enhancement of the historic value of Villa “I Platani”:
• Roof: The new structure guarantees safety, functionality, and aesthetic harmony with the original architecture.
• Lakeside Wall: Reconstructed with durable materials that respect the historical appearance, the wall now provides robust protection against soil pressure and serves as a perfect frame for the surrounding landscape.
The project safeguarded the historical and architectural value of the villa through sustainable interventions that respect the unique scenic context of Lake Como.
