Recovery of stone architectural heritage

The paper shows some of the main results of the Interreg-Alpstone research project, which focuses on Alpine architecture located between Italy (Ossola valley and surrounding areas) and Switzerland (the Canton of Ticino). The rich local heritage of stone buildings is often in a state of decay and needs to be renovated. This study aims to give practical guidelines to professionals and craftsmen in order to give new life to these constructions. The paper describes the methodology of the Interreg-Alpstone research team, investigations, some in situ tests and possible sustainable technical solutions. In particular, it deals with the need to strengthen the original structures (stone walls and roofs, wooden floors) according to current regulations while at the same time preserving their historical and architectonic values.