Restoration of the Annunziatella church with circular materials

In Europe, there has been a sustained discourse over the past few years regarding the implementation of circular economy principles. This involves reevaluating the models governing the utilization of existing materials and products, emphasizing virtuous behaviors centered around recycling, borrowing, and sharing. The overarching objective is to prolong the lifespan of materials and products, thereby significantly mitigating the production of waste. This paradigm shift also contemplates the restoration of historical buildings; positing that refurbishing existing structures obviates the necessity to construct new ones. This discussion seeks to explore the interconnection between recycling and the restoration of contemporary architecture, akin to the historical practice of reuse in traditional architecture. A pertinent case study in this regard is the restoration of the Church of San Teodoro Annunziatella (IX-X century). A comprehensive investigation has allowed for the identification of materials, construction techniques, and common elements specific to the architectural culture of medieval craftsmen. The ensuing restoration meticulously employed materials such as crushed brick, lime, and clay, faithfully replicating medieval techniques while adhering to the principles of recycling and reusing circular materials. The ultimate objective was to maximize the utilization of both original readapted elements and locally sourced natural materials.