Description
LOCATION: Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
TYPE OF WORK: Stopping capillary rising damp, creating waterproof protective layers, and applying anti-condensation plaster for interior and exterior walls
Preserving Cultural Heritage – A Responsibility and a Challenge
Restoring historic buildings is a complex process that requires knowledge of traditional construction techniques, respect for original materials, and the skillful application of modern technologies.
Veliko Tarnovo is a city with a unique architectural heritage, demanding a careful approach to any intervention to ensure that history is not lost but rather adapted to contemporary needs.
Old buildings often conceal serious structural and waterproofing problems that threaten their long-term durability. Without appropriate measures and well-selected solutions, the destructive effects of moisture and environmental factors can lead to irreparable damage.
Restoration of Bridges Residence – Bringing a Historic House Back to Life
One of the significant restoration projects in Veliko Tarnovo involves transforming a 19th-century Revival-era house into a boutique hotel that combines modern comfort with the preserved spirit of its past.
This project exemplifies how an investor with vision and dedication to cultural heritage can change the fate of a historic building. Seeking effective solutions to stop water infiltration through the rock foundation, eliminate capillary moisture, and create durable waterproof and anti-condensation plaster, the investor turned to us for consultation and selection of the best waterproofing technologies.
Key Restoration Challenges
- Capillary moisture in masonry – The lack of effective waterproofing had caused significant damage to the historic stone and brick walls.
- Lack of protection against water infiltration – Permeable floors and walls facilitated moisture penetration, increasing the risk of mold and material degradation.
- Preserving architectural authenticity – The restoration had to use eco-friendly and historically compatible materials that would ensure longevity without altering the building’s appearance.
Moisture Control and Structural Strengthening Solutions
1. Stopping Capillary Moisture
To effectively halt rising moisture in the walls, the TRIPLEZERO injection system was used. This non-toxic superhydrophobic emulsion creates a chemical barrier that protects the masonry from capillary moisture.
Advantages of the method:
- Long-lasting protection against water infiltration
- Minimal intervention – no need to damage the original walls
- Effective on various masonry types (stone, brick, mortar mixtures)
2. Creating Waterproof Protective Layers
In the building's damp areas, BI MORTAR PLASTER SEAL, a fiber-reinforced waterproofing plaster resistant to negative hydrostatic pressure, was applied.
Key benefits:
- Prevents water infiltration into the masonry
- Combines waterproofing and structural reinforcement
- Provides additional sulfate resistance
3. Anti-Condensation Plaster for Interior and Exterior Walls
To prevent moisture retention and condensation, CALIBRO NHL was used – a specialized plaster based on natural hydraulic lime (NHL).
Why this solution?
- Suitable for restoring buildings with cultural heritage status
- Allows the walls to "breathe" while protecting them from moisture
- Ensures long-term plaster stability
Results: Restored Historical Value with Modern Comfort
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Source: www.bridgesresidence.com
Preserving Cultural Heritage Through the Right Partnerships
Successful restoration of historic buildings requires close collaboration between investors, architects, engineers, and conservation specialists. In this project, our role was to provide expert consultation and supply the most suitable waterproofing products to ensure the long-term preservation of the structure.
The real value of restoration lies not only in maintaining the building’s appearance but in creating conditions for a sustainable future. This involves:
- Using materials compatible with the original construction
- Protecting the building from moisture and environmental factors
- Creating a healthy and comfortable space for future occupants
Source: www.bridgesresidence.com
Conclusion
The restoration of Bridges Residence in Veliko Tarnovo demonstrates how balancing cultural heritage preservation with modern construction technologies ensures a building’s longevity.
To restore more buildings while retaining their cultural identity, investors must be committed to preserving not just structures but their history and spirit. When this commitment is combined with the right technologies and quality materials, the result is sustainable restoration that will stand the test of time.
