The outer surfaces of the residential buildings designed by Giuseppe Terragni. Plasters, stone cladding and prefabricated elements to the test of time.

Abstract

Starting from the analysis of the archival and bibliographical documentation and from the direct observation of the buildings, the article analyses the finishing surfaces of the residential buildings designed by Giuseppe Terragni, in order to understand the structural and technological construction choices, the results on site and the changes that such finishes have undergone over time. From 1927 and 1943, Giuseppe Terragni designed and built, alone or in cooperation with other architects (Pietro Lingeri e Alberto Sartoris), nine buildings intended for multi-family dwellings and two single-family villas. For the outer finishes of his architecture works, he experimented different solutions: plaster finishes, stone cladding in large slabs and smaller elements, as well as cladding with prefabricated elements of cement grit. Despite Terragni’s declare wish to create durable finishes which could withstand the effects of the weather, most have undergone modifications and transformations.