Historic building recovery, analysis and process

When we take care of the recovery of a historic building we move on a careful and complex path made of an accurate analysis and which is followed by the real restoration process. We must think of the historic building as something unique and add to its architectural originality a whole series of services that did not belong to the needs of the past. But today they have become a priority, such as safety, thermal and acoustic insulation, solar control, air tightness and everything related to the most current needs of a building which belongs to history, yet it is destined to be used and lived today.

To achieve this ambitious recovery goal, as we have said, a first analysis made by expert eyes is necessary. We make a windows and doors’ analysis and we scan their characteristics by surveying and studying:

• type and material of fixtures and metalware;
• verification of their conservation status;
• type of installation and relation with the historic building;
• presence of complements such as shutters, shades, railings, etc.

The structure must also be evaluated as a whole. We have to think of every possible improving solution which, imperceptible to the eye, can enhance the new window’s efficiency.

For this reason, in any recovery operation it is essential not to underestimate the customizations. In fact, they make unique the individual elements of the original fixtures.

In the phase that precedes the creative process, it is essential to establish a dialogue with the client and study with him customized solutions that allow you to install high-performance windows without distorting the style and aesthetics of the historic building. Sometimes the replacement process of the frame may not be necessary and a less invasive intervention on existing windows and doors could be sufficient according to the intended use and the historic building’s context.

How to work on a historic building

A work on a historic building is always a very delicate process. Let’s see how to do it without altering the architectural harmony and respecting Fine Arts’ regulations.

The need to improve the energy efficiency of existing buildings in order to benefit our planet is an undoubted desire of our time. Clearly it was not taken into consideration when the prestigious historic buildings that embellish our cities were built.

Today the search for a better performance to decrease consumption is the hard work with which the Architectural Restorer must intervene by seeking the right balance between conservation and sustainability.

When we are required to work on a historic building, we must pay immediate attention to the building itself and to the details of its fixtures.

By experience you should know that precisely traditional and French windows give rhythm and character to the facade. Model, color, type of installation, possible presence of accessories such as shutters, blackouts, railings, etc. must remain unchanged and you have the difficult task of creating highly performing fixtures for energy saving and thermal comfort. Air tightness, heat and acoustic insulation, mechanical functionality and safety are essential performances for the proper use of a space.

Historic building under the direction of Superintendence

Intervening on a historic building under the direction of Superintendence means managing a complex job.

In the unpleasant case restoration work is not approved by the Municipality, a totally new intervention is compulsory with the addiction of minutes and fine. This applies to the buildings under the direction of Superintendence and to all the others that are located in the historic center.