Restoration & decoration
Restoration of the columns at the Terme di Montel
Overview
Restoration of the columns at the Terme di Montel
History
The Scuderie De Montel, a historic Milanese complex dating back to 1921, underwent a major regeneration project after decades of abandonment, during which the site had become a degraded ruin, overgrown with vegetation and marked by widespread collapses and deterioration.
PROJECT
The protagonists of the complex are the approximately 100 columns of the inner courtyard, featuring octagonal shafts and decorated capitals, a key identifying element of the restoration project. Preliminary diagnostic investigations revealed the presence of a unique clinker, presumably attributable to the natural cement from Grenoble, providing a decisive knowledge base and immediately guiding the design choices. Based on these findings, the integrative restoration of material losses was carried out using Vicat natural cement, ensuring compatibility with the original materials and restoring unity and value to the entire architectural ensemble.
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Restoration stages
TECHNICAL APPROACH
The restoration of the Hundred Columns and the pilasters (2022–2024) was defined on the basis of diagnostic investigations that identified the presence of clinker attributable to natural cement from Grenoble. Following dust removal, pre-consolidation, and cleaning—carried out using biocide treatment and laser technology—the work proceeded with consolidation and the integration of losses.
The reconstruction of the missing capitals was carried out using silicone rubber moulds, with differentiated casting for the “bulk” and the “jacket” layers: the core was made using mortars based on natural hydraulic lime NHL 3.5 and selected aggregates with variable granulometry, while the finishing layer consisted of mixtures of Vicat natural cement (PROMPT), NHL 3.5, fine French silica sand, and yellowgold marble powder, ensuring both material compatibility and aesthetic continuity.
The intervention was completed with grouting of the losses, aimed at ensuring overall cohesion and chromatic and material uniformity of the treated surfaces.
Finalised project
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
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Derived from a unique deposit located in the Chartreuse massif, PROMPT natural cement is an exclusive product of the Vicat Group.
Documentation
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