Background
Built between 1924 and 1925 by Florentine architect Gino Coppedè, Villa Canali Gaslini is an emblematic example of early 20th-century eclectic architecture. Located in Genoa, it was acquired by industrialist Gerolomo Gaslini in 1942 and now hosts the Gaslini medical foundation. The façades feature decorative cement elements such as brackets and balustrades, which deteriorated over time due to water infiltration, causing cracks and detachment.
PROJECT
The aim of the project was to restore and secure the decorative cement elements of the villa while preserving their original appearance. Cracks and detached areas were treated, damaged sections rebuilt, and metal reinforcements protected against corrosion.
The restoration needed to be durable, quick to implement, and fully compatible with the existing materials to preserve architectural harmony and historical value. Prompt natural cement was selected for its strength, compatibility with historic substrates, and rapid setting even in outdoor environments exposed to weather.
Implementation
Works began with the dismantling and cataloguing of damaged decorative elements to ensure accurate reconstruction. Iron reinforcements were treated to prevent corrosion. Cracks were filled with Prompt-based mortar, ensuring rapid setting and seamless integration with existing materials.
Detached parts were rebuilt using the same material, ensuring aesthetic continuity. Finally, a potassium silicate finish was applied to unify the color of the restored surfaces.
Stakeholders
Project timeline: 18 months
Client
Gaslini foundation
Project management
Arch. Gianpiero Buffoni, Studio Buffoni, Genoa
Contractor
Formento Filippo Carlo S.r.l., Via Calice 50, 17024 Finale Ligure (SV)
Restorer: Sara Martini
