Between a rock and a wet place

Its been some time now that we haven't given any updates on the progress of works at Via Ritiro. Partly this is because work has not begun in earnest yet, we are still very much in the planning phase.

A recent development has been a discussion with the architect on ways to solve the humidity problems that all houses in that part of Modica face. The problem exists because the houses in the historic centre of Modica are built along hills that form the valley Modica is in. This means that when it rains the waters comes down the face of the rock and remains trapped between the rock and the walls of the houses, slowly seeping through.

As you can see from the picture below the problem is serious and has to be dealt with (we can't just paint over it!).

Now, the solutions available are either - a) build a 'fake' wall some centimeters away from the existing walls with an air chamber that would allow the humidity to disperse. b)treat the existing walls with a specialised resin material which expands within the walls and acts as an insulator. First option is cheap and quick, second is slow and expensive but more durable, saves the space that would be lost to the fake walls (10cm all around the room) and we get to see the real walls. We are planning to go for the second one which means that the money-swallowing monster of old house restoration has already reared its ugly head and its shouting "give it up! this is too costly and time consuming!" Oh well, for the time being we ignore it and keep going...