History
Within the Scuderies De Montel complex in Milan, the intervention focused on the reconstruction of the perimeter moulded cornice that horizontally articulates the façades of the building’s lower volumes.
PROJECT
The cornice is located at a height ranging approximately between 115 and 130 cm above ground level and runs continuously along the entire perimeter of the affected wings, for a total length of several hundred linear metres.
Originally highly deteriorated and preserved only in discontinuous traces, the element underwent a full reconstruction in the lower volumes of the complex, while in the monumental sections the remaining portions were preserved and restored. The objective was to re-establish the architectural continuity of the ensemble, ensuring both formal and material consistency.
TECHNICAL APPROACH
The reconstruction of the cornice was carried out entirely in situ through manual modelling using a template (gabarit) on a metal reinforcement, without the use of formwork or prefabricated elements. The reinforcement consists of AISI 304 stainless steel, fixed directly to the masonry with mechanical anchors placed at regular intervals, and integrated with a light stainless-steel wire mesh to ensure continuity of the support.
The execution process is divided into three successive mortar application phases:
Gobetis (rinzaffo)
Made with a mortar based on Vicat Prompt natural cement and fine sand, applied on a damp substrate to ensure adhesion and full coverage of the reinforcement;
Render body
Composed of Vicat Prompt, natural hydraulic lime NHL 3.5 and carefully graded sands, applied in multiple layers and modelled directly on site thanks to the binder’s working time;
Finish coat (intonachino)
A mortar based on natural binder and selected aggregates, colour-matched to integrate with the existing plasters, and hand-finished to achieve a texture consistent with the surrounding historic surfaces.
Key information
The project took 3 years.
Stakeholders
Owner
General Contractor: Techbau S.p.a (Febbraio 2022 – Gennaio 2023)
Impre.DO S.P.A. Unipersonale (Gennaio 2023 – Marzo 2025)
Architect
J+S S.p.a.
Contractor
Breraut Restauri SRLS
