Stone Arch Restoration in Rovinj - Historic Limestone Restoration by Rockform
Historic Limestone Restoration Using 3D Modelling and CNC Stone Fabrication
At Rockform, we specialize in the restoration and production of custom architectural stone elements for historic buildings, villas, hotels, and heritage properties. One of our restoration projects involved the reconstruction of damaged stone vaults and arch elements at the historic structure that today forms part of Lounge Bar in Rovinj, Croatia.
The project required a combination of traditional stone craftsmanship, architectural analysis, 3D modelling, and CNC stone machining. The replacement elements were produced from Valtura limestone, a local Istrian stone suitable for restoration work and compatible with the character of historic architecture in the region.
The Challenge: Reconstructing Five Damaged Stone Arches
According to the information available to us, the original stone elements formed part of an entrance composition with five stone arches. The remaining pieces were heavily damaged, fragmented, and incomplete.
Our task was not simply to replace broken stone. We first had to understand the original geometry of the entrance, study the surviving fragments, and determine how the stone elements were originally intended to fit together.
This was especially challenging because the original components had reportedly been purchased in Trieste, dismantled, transported, and then reassembled in Rovinj. During this earlier relocation, some stone elements appear to have been installed in different positions. As a result, several pieces no longer aligned correctly, and previous adjustments had been made by filling and patching the joints with mortar.
Respecting the Existing Column Bases
Another important constraint was that the bases of the columns supporting the arches were already in place. Their positions and heights had to be respected throughout the restoration process.
This meant that the new stone arches had to work with the existing architectural layout on site, while also correcting the shape and alignment of the arch elements as accurately as possible. For historic villa restoration and heritage stonework, this balance is often one of the most important parts of the process: preserving what exists while carefully reconstructing what has been lost.
Workshop Assembly and 3D Reconstruction
To identify the correct form, we carefully sorted and assembled the surviving stone fragments in our workshop. By studying the profiles, curves, joints, contact surfaces, and proportions, we were able to determine the most likely original geometry of the five-arch entrance.
Once the correct arrangement was established, we created a 3D model of the reconstructed stone elements. This digital model allowed us to verify the geometry before production and ensure that the new pieces would correspond both to the historic fragments and to the existing column bases on site.
CNC Production in Valtura Limestone
The new replacement elements were produced from Valtura limestone using CNC stone machining. CNC technology allowed us to accurately reproduce the required profiles, curves, and joint geometry while maintaining the precision needed for architectural restoration.
After machining, the new limestone elements were prepared for installation so that the entrance could regain its visual rhythm, structural logic, and architectural coherence.
The Result
This restoration project required much more than producing new stone elements. It involved historical reasoning, careful observation, workshop testing, 3D stone modelling, CNC fabrication, and a deep respect for the existing architecture.
By reconstructing the correct geometry of the stone arches while respecting the fixed column bases, Rockform helped restore clarity and balance to the historic entrance composition.
This project demonstrates how traditional stone restoration and modern digital fabrication can work together to preserve historic architecture with precision and sensitivity.
For architects, designers, investors, and owners of old villas or heritage properties, this approach offers a reliable way to restore damaged limestone elements, reconstruct missing architectural details, and preserve the character of historic buildings.
Planning the restoration of an old villa, historic building, or architectural stone element? Contact Rockform to discuss custom limestone restoration, 3D modelling, and CNC stone fabrication for your project.