Traditional techniques on Post-Civil War in Spanish Modern Architecture: The case of the ceramic wall on OSH Pavilion in the Casa del Campo (Madrid)

Resumen

The rise of cement at the beginning of the XX century provoked the lime mortars decay. In the case of Spain, they were revival after the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) due to the insolation of the country (autarky period). It is especially interesting since traditional materials defined new styles. An example of this duality is the Obra Sindical del Hogar (OSH) pavilion, at Casa de Campo exhibition area in Madrid. The ceramic wall placed on its entrance is a perfect example of modernity in the graphical representation of the scenes, using traditional techniques and materials: porous ceramic and lime mortars. As part of the restoration of this mural, a complete analysis of the original mortars and ceramic had been performed. The results showed a careful selection of the materials and the knowledge of the workforces. Porous ceramic calcined at low temperature as support of the glassy treatment and their compatibility with the aerial lime mortar defined its state of conservation, in spite of the abandon suffered for more than 40 years. Air lime mortars showed a high compactness and a reduced porosity mainly because a careful selection of the aggregates and care in their execution and installation.