THE RESTORATION OF THE GARDEN OF PALAZZO PFANNER IN LUCCA.

Project details

The restoration project for the Palazzo Pfanner garden was implemented thanks to funds “PNRR Component M1C3 Tourism and Culture 4.0. Investment 2.3 “Programs to enhance the identity of places: parks and historic gardens”. The garden needed adjustments, revisions and improvements, without changes in its overall apperance. The project’s objectives have been strictly conservative. The design process began with a plani-altimetric survey and vegetation, including assessments of the health of te main plants, as well as verification of the existing hydraulic system. The first operation was to eliminate the metal sheet used as the edge of the compartments and the gravel surface in pebbles of too large a size. The need for the complete renovation of the irrigation system also involved the removal of the lawn. The curb was recreated with Matraia stone, worked like an owl’s beak. Around the basin the curb was created from curves carved directly into the stone and not through fragments. The surface of the avenues was obtained with washed river gravel, chosen from size 1-2 and slightly ochre in colour. The former brewery has been restored, where new services have been created, in addition to those in the canopy at the northwest corner of the garden, in compliance with disability regulations. The paving at the base of the building leading to the garden has been restored. After numbering and dismantling the slabs, those still in good condition, have been relocated. The western section, which we saw replaced with concrete, has been rebuilt with ancient stone road slabs, all laid dry on a sandbed. The restoration of the octagonal fountain consisted of cleaning the basin, reinstating the terracotta edge and restoring the Putto jet. In addition to the irrigation system, the lighting system has also been set up: the lighting scenarios that combine the various themes and the light intensity are regulated using Bluetooth home automation and produce predominantly light and soft light.
The laurel espaliers surrounding the two cabinets have been reduced in height and the interior has been cleaned. Bamboo groves have been significantly reduced in surface area and barriers have been set up to prevent their expansion.
All lawns have been renovated with turf. New classical camellias have been introduced, hydrangeas has been increased, repeating roses had been planted around the basin and in front of the Limonaia. The lemon pots were repositioned in their pre-work location and freed from the excessive number of boxwood spheres treviously alternated with lemon pots.