Preservation and Consolidation of the Reed Ceilings of Villa Cusani Tittoni Traversi
Year: 2020
Location: Desio (MB)
The preservation and consolidation project of the reed ceilings in Villa Cusani Tittoni Traversi in Desio is a remarkable example of multidisciplinary restoration. Thanks to the funding from the Fondazione Cariplo and the strategic vision of the Municipality of Desio, this initiative aims to preserve the historical memory of the villa, which has been severely affected by the 1993 fire and years of neglect.
These ceilings, exquisite examples of Italian craftsmanship, tell the story of a villa that has stood the test of time – from its 14th-century origins as a Visconti castle, through the Neoclassical embellishments by Giuseppe Piermarini, to the decorations by Pelagio Palagi.
Made of plastered reed mats attached to wooden arches, the reed ceilings represent a lightweight and cost-effective architectural solution but are highly vulnerable to damage:
• Water infiltration: This led to plaster detachment and compromised the cohesion of the support structure.
• Structural instability: Movements of the walls and arches caused severe cracking
• Construction defects and years of neglect: These factors accelerated the deterioration, making consolidation and restoration interventions essential.
The project combines cutting-edge diagnostics, advanced technology, and conservation techniques to ensure durability while respecting the original features.
DIAGNOSTICS AND ANALYSIS
• Stratigraphic surveys: These revealed original lime and tempera decorations, enriched with gold detailing.
• Crack monitoring: By using crack meters, structural movements were measured, confirming the need for targeted interventions.
STRUCTURAL CONSOLIDATION
• Ceiling extrados (upper side): Application of basalt fiber meshes and lime-based mortars to strengthen the reed mats from above.
• Ceiling intrados (lower side): Innovative use of stainless steel strands and double-threaded screws to anchor the plaster to the wooden arches.
DECORATIVE RESTORATION
• Removal of overpainting and cleaning of painted surfaces.
• Filling of gaps with compatible mortars.
• Chromatic reintegration based on stratigraphic analyses, adhering to the principles of recognizability and minimal intervention.
Results and Replicability
The pilot intervention, carried out in Room No. 10 on the second floor, has demonstrated the effectiveness of the adopted techniques, laying the foundation for extending the project to the entire villa.
• Structural Stability: The consolidated ceilings are now resistant to future stress.
• Aesthetic Enhancement: The original decorations have been recovered, restoring the charm of the interiors.
• Innovative Model: The tested solutions provide a replicable example for the preservation of similar ceilings in other historical settings.
This project is not just a restoration but an investment in the cultural heritage of Desio.
The preservation of the reed ceilings marks a significant step toward the full redevelopment of the villa, ensuring that it remains a place of memory and beauty for future generations.
