Conservation, consolidation and restoration of the Holy Annunciation Church, Vatasesti village, region of Oltenia, Romania - Architectural and structural particularities

Abstract

The present article discusses the process of architectural and structural diagnosis of a late 18th century, brick masonry built, Christian church located in Vătășești village, Vâlcea county, Romania, presenting the particularities discovered. The church is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist and The Holy Annunciation and it is listed under the LMI code (List of historical monuments of Romania) VL-II-m-B-09968. Its registration in the list of historical monuments inscribed in the National Cultural Heritage of Romania was realized especially thanks to its original byzantine style mural paintings (frescoes) still left almost intact on the interior walls, the only serious damage made to it being found on the paintings once found on the outside walls. In order to properly conserve, consolidate and restore the vernacular monument, the process of diagnosis had to include research and investigations of various and complementary areas such as 3D scanning using laser scan technology, the archaeological report, the mural paintings restoration experts report, the chemical analysis of the painted surface, the biological analysis of different materials, humidity reports, stratigraphy research, the geological and topographical reports, the compression strength of bricks test and structural analysis using 3D modelling and the Etabs software. The materials and techniques used for the consolidation and restoration works had to be non-invasive, ecological and reversible, using steel nets and hydraulic lime for the consolidation of the brick masonry. The architectural interventions on the drainage system, facades, roof, interior floors, lighting system, and all the interventions that the article describes were subordinated by the need to preserve and highlight the Romanian orthodox frescoes that give great value to the monument. This article explains the importance of proper research and measurements ought to be done in order to have a well-coordinated process later, designing the consolidation and restoration project.