Restoration & decoration

Restoration of decorative façade elements at Villa Canali Gaslini

Overview

Villa Canali Gaslini

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.

For further information:

Project Sheet – Restoration of Decorative Elements.pdf

Restoration

Restoration stages

Restauration d'éléments décoratifs en ciment prompt

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

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Quick masonry - Restoration & decoration - Water & sanitation - Eco-constructionQuick masonry - Restoration & decoration - Water & sanitation - Eco-constructionQuick masonry - Restoration & decoration - Water & sanitation - Eco-constructionQuick masonry - Restoration & decoration - Water & sanitation - Eco-constructionQuick masonry - Restoration & decoration - Water & sanitation - Eco-constructionQuick masonry - Restoration & decoration - Water & sanitation - Eco-construction

One product, different applications

Applications

The exceptional mineralogy of PROMPT natural cement gives it properties that are perfectly suited to rapid masonry, restoration and decoration, eco-construction, and water and sanitation works.