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The rural architecture of the past was invariably a perfect biological machine in which everything was put to optimum use – from the choice of site and its exposure to the winds and the sun to the arrangement of the raw materials used. Up until 1996 the Convento di Agghielli had been left in ruin – but it still preserved all these characteristics. That is why the work of restoring it was undertaken in a manner which recreated all the organic qualities it once had. |
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It was an operation that succeeded in restoring the balance between man and nature, safeguarding them from all harmful factors both without and within. Bio-construction has few principles, but they are fundamental. Among the most important are the rediscovery of non-harmful materials and of traditional building techniques, the use of colours, natural light and illumination. The first step in the restructuring was to study closely how the walls had been made, the rafters, the roofs, the floors, the balconies; what stones had been used, what woods and what mortars. The next step was to restore them to their original state or provide a faithful imitation. Fortunately it was possible to recycle – that is to salvage on site – many of the materials used in the reconstruction. Thus we were able to re-use the original stone and bricks in restoring the walls and the. Likewise the hand-made tiles and slippers used in refitting the roof, and the ancient wooden beams that recreated the architraves of the doors and windows. In rare cases we were able to save intact entire lofts and antique roofs. For the new or additional reconstruction work we have adopted new materials and new technologies. Bio-architecture limits the choice to those that are natural and unharmful. The perforated bricks used are all of a hand-made type. Clay, cork panels and natural fibres guarantee thermal insulation and soundproofing that are both effective and bio-ecological. The mortars and limestone surrounds recall traditional methods. The plaster finishes, whether outdoors or indoors, have been tinted with lime milk and natural pigments in a way that blends chromatically with the original limestone of the buildings, giving a visible cohesion to the work. |
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The chestnut rafters, the doors and frames have been treated with natural oils and waxes and keep their traditional forms. In the same way the ventilated roofs have been inspired by traditional methods and have been rebuilt in cork oak and natural. Bio-construction and modern comfort have required the use of very little technology – and what there is has been sharply targeted. Electro-smog is non-existent because careful planning of the electrical installation and the screening of the wires, the extension boxes and the outlets has prevented the formation of electro-magnetic fields. Similar electrical ducts have been laid all around the Convent. The water system has been rationalised to save energy through the use of solar and water panels, with the water recovered and re-used. Whatever it was originally used for (whether it is white, grey or black), it is channelled down into the valley to a purifying plant which recycles it for agricultural use. For the central heating, all the old fireplaces have been put to use. In areas where there were none we have made use of radiators. Everywhere the humidity is regulated by the use of hygroscopic materials in the furnishings: the beds, divans and other items are of solid wood treated with natural oils and beeswax; the mattresses and pillows are in latex, coconut and cotton; the sheets are in untreated cotton while the bedspreads are of goose feather. |
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All the bedclothes are washed with natural organic detergents and perfumed with essential oils, while Marseilles soap is provided in the bathrooms. |
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