The Art of Protection

The Assis Chateaubriand Museum of Art (MASP) in São Paulo is one of the most emblematic buildings of Brazilian modernist architecture. Opened in 1968, it appears to float above the ground, supported by two bright red beams. The area below is used as a walkway or event space.

Fifty-six years after its completion, the building envelope was due for renovation. With such iconic structures, it is imperative to preserve them as closely as possible to their original state in order to maintain their form for posterity. That is why the MASP was preserved using Evonik's Protectosil® line of functional silanes. The product, known for its efficiency in the preservation of historical heritage, was applied to the building's exposed concrete structure to ensure its protection against water, dirt, and other influences that affect the durability and aesthetics of the building.

In this project, Protectosil® was applied at low pressure but in larger quantities to the exposed concrete surfaces – the bases, the roof of the cantilever structure and the side stairs – to ensure even and efficient coverage.

The product has a water- and oil-repellent effect and prevents the absorption of dirt and the growth of microorganisms without forming a film or altering the original appearance of the concrete. This allows the substrate to remain breathable and reduces the need for maintenance, which promotes sustainable conservation.

“Historic buildings such as the MASP are not only about maintenance, but also about preserving and enhancing their cultural and aesthetic significance. Using Protectosil can effectively protect the structure without compromising its visual identity,” emphasizes Larissa Haddad, business coordinator for Evonik's silanes range.

Hendrik Schönfelder, Evonik's Regional President for Central and South America, emphasizes: “We are pleased to partner with MASP, which reaffirms our commitment to the protection of cultural heritage sites. Protectosil is a technology that not only maintains structural integrity but also ensures that future generations can continue to appreciate the beauty and heritage of MASP. With our technology, we are helping to protect cultural monuments around the world.”

The Protectosil line has already proven its effectiveness on iconic structures around the world, such as the World Trade Center subway station in New York (USA), the Sydney Opera House (Australia) and the Louvre in Paris (France). Its use is also widely recognized for significantly reducing maintenance costs and extending the useful life of buildings.

The products in the Protectosil range, which are based on silane chemistry, are available as ready-to-use solutions or for adding to formulations, and are suitable for various types of buildings and surfaces. When added to concrete during production, they increase yield and performance, thus extending the useful life of buildings, bridges and tunnels.

In historic buildings and works of art, silanes play a fundamental role in preventing moisture, fungal growth and dirt absorption and protecting against graffiti. This technology is considered a major advance for the preservation of cultural heritage and the sustainability of modern and historic buildings.