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Islamic Antiquities Zone, North Cairo, Egypt·2009

Sabil-Kuttab Arzinkan

Facade & Roof Conservation, Historic Cairo

Role

Facade, Stonework & Roof Conservation

Year

2009

Firm

Hampikian-Ibrashy Architecture & Heritage Management

Location

Islamic Antiquities Zone, North Cairo, Egypt

Restored facade of the Sabil-Kuttab Hassan Agha Arzinkan, Historic Cairo

Project

Restoration of Sabil-Kuttab Hassan Agha Arzinkan (Monument No. 420) in the antiquities zone north of Historic Cairo, delivered by Hampikian-Ibrashy Architecture & Heritage Management (Dr. Nairy Hampikian and Dr. Mai Ibrashy) in cooperation with the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the American Research Center in Egypt's Antiquities Endowment Fund, April–October 2009. The scope covered full architectural documentation and a condition survey of the facade, mechanical and chemical stone cleaning with selective stone replacement and re-pointing, conservation of the copper-grilled windows and carved marble inscription panels, and restoration of the decorated wooden eave and roof. Featured here as part of the firm's heritage-conservation portfolio.

Highlights

What the work involved

Facade Documentation & Condition Survey

Full architectural documentation of the facade and a condition survey ahead of any physical intervention, including a photogrammetric orthophoto of the main facade at 1:20.

Stone & Mortar Conservation

Mechanical and chemical cleaning of the stone fabric, with the cleaning method verified through on-site trials, selective replacement of deteriorated stone only where necessary, and re-pointing with lime mortar.

Copper Grilles & Marble Inscriptions

Mechanical cleaning of the copper-grilled windows with a protective micro-crystalline wax coating, and conservation of the carved marble inscription panel.

Decorated Wooden Eave & Roof

Restoration of the carved and painted wooden eave, and reconstruction of the roof surface with insulation layers against moisture and heat.

Documentation

Recording what is there

Arcaded facade and window grilles with interior roof scaffolding, before restoration — Sabil-Kuttab Arzinkan
Before and after facade cleaning comparison — Sabil-Kuttab Arzinkan
Before and after comparison of the arcade windows and stonework — Sabil-Kuttab Arzinkan
Conservation of the copper-grilled windows and carved marble inscription panel — Sabil-Kuttab Arzinkan
Stone cleaning, trial testing and selective replacement — Sabil-Kuttab Arzinkan
Mortar re-pointing and stone conservation in progress — Sabil-Kuttab Arzinkan
Roof surface restoration and timber decking — Sabil-Kuttab Arzinkan
Restored decorated wooden eave and cornice detail — Sabil-Kuttab Arzinkan
Restored walkway, entrance and facade detail — Sabil-Kuttab Arzinkan
Completed restoration of the Sabil-Kuttab Arzinkan facade, Historic Cairo

2D Drawings

Measured drawings

Facade elevation drawing with the facade conservation scope of work — Sabil-Kuttab Arzinkan
Photogrammetric main facade orthophoto, scale 1:20 — Sabil-Kuttab Arzinkan
Eave plan and elevation technical drawing with material callouts — Sabil-Kuttab Arzinkan

Services used

Documentation2D Drawings
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