Uses of Gypsum in Spanish architectural heritage: Typologies and some unique construction techniques

ABSTRACT

In Spain, gypsum and its many typologies play an important role as a construction material in Spanish architectural heritage. Its historical use is mainly a direct consequence of the abundance of gypsum deposits and a constructive tradition which began in ancient times. In addition to being a sign of constructive identity, gypsum is a clear example of the strong link between traditional architecture and the natural resources of the territory. The aim of this article is after to identify gypsum deposits and gypsum architectural heritage found in different parts of Spain and to explain the different gypsum typologies—other than powdered gypsum—used. Finally, the most unique construction techniques are described, differentiating between structural elements, partitions, and enclosures, as well as architectural elements and surface finishes.

KEYWORDS:

• Construction techniques
• gypsum
• Spanish architectural heritage
• structural function
• traditional plaster
• typologies

Acknowledgments

This article would not have been possible without the founding of the research project “Study of gypsum and traditional plaster in Spain. Deposits, quarries, kilns and traditional architecture, its state of conservation and proposals of itineraries for its promotion and diffusion” (exp 2016C2000238), Instituto del Patrimonio Cultural de España (IPCE) del Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte (Vincenzina La Spina, director).

Notes

¹ Maps of Spain 1:50,000 scale, specifically the information about the GEODE plan and the geological map of Spain 1:1,000,000 scale and its various editions from 1966–2015.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Instituto del Patrimonio Cultural de España (IPCE) del Ministerio de Educación, Cultura y Deporte [exp 2016C2000238] in English: Spanish Cultural Heritage Institute (IPCE) of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Sports.