Recommendations for Design in Preserving Historical Buildings with Wooden Structures’ Roofs

Abstract

The wooden structures are most common on the roofs of historical buildings. The ancient building techniques that were employed such as the use of notched joints are no longer known today. This lack, affects the project and implementation of restoration of these structures, and demonstrates, therefore, the importance of its preservation as a legacy to future generations. As result, the decision to restore heritage structures is the key to safeguarding the cultural heritage. The designer should be aware of the consequences of choosing some intervention techniques on preserving the cultural value of the monument. The technique may harm or benefit such as the patrimonial as the technical issue, preserving its historical and cultural value, durability and safety. Although there are important technical manuals and books that refer to the restoration of ancient roof structures published by Brazilian governmental agencies, there are not references about the consequences of certain technique´s application on the patrimonial value. Thus, this work analysed, critically and reflectively, the technical solutions most commonly adopted by Brazilian designers on the restoration of the structural roofs in ancient wooden structures. This analysis will be based on principles and recommendations of the key documents and the charters of heritage preservation. After the evaluation of restoration techniques most commonly applied to restoration of roofs with wooden structures, general procedures are recommended in order to ensure the safeguarding of the heritage.