Craftsmanship Meets Tradition – De Weerdt Renovatie & Cantillana
When historic heritage demands the highest degree of precision and material expertise, Cantillana and De Weerdt Renovatie come together through a shared passion for lime mortars and traditional techniques.
Heritage as a Responsibility
For Steven De Weerdt, managing director of De Weerdt Renovatie, restoration is not a standard construction process, but a craft. With a team of specialists and deeply rooted expertise (recognized with a postgraduate degree in Monument Conservation), the company focuses on complex façade restorations where respect for the past is central.
Whether it concerns a 13th-century façade in Ghent or the drawing of massive ornamental mouldings weighing 13 kg per linear meter, choosing the right material is crucial for the final result as well as for the preservation of the monument.
The Choice for Lime Mortars: Technique and Aesthetics
In the projects of De Weerdt Renovatie, Cantillana’s lime mortars form a common thread. Where cement mortars are often too rigid for historic masonry, lime mortars provide the necessary flexibility and vapor permeability.
"Both technically and aesthetically, lime is often the only correct choice in heritage projects. It requires more attention – think of re-moistening and protection – but the result is unmatched," according to Steven De Weerdt.
Innovation Through Tradition: Circular Building
Together with Cantillana, De Weerdt Renovatie is leading the transition toward sustainable and circular construction. Lime mortars are inherently circular because they are more easily reversible than cement.
- Expertise in practice: De Weerdt was asked by Cantillana to give demonstrations of special pointing techniques, such as the authentic ribbon joint.
- Quality & Guidance: Close collaboration ensures that Cantillana’s products are applied exactly as the historic context requires.
Featured Projects
Thanks to the combination of Cantillana products and De Weerdt’s craftsmanship, several nominations were achieved:
- Onderbergen, Ghent: Restoration of a historic building with roots dating back to the 13th century (Nominated for the City of Ghent Monument Prize).
- Sint-Salvatorstraat, Ghent: Complete façade restoration including on-site drawing of ornamental mouldings and refined plasterwork.
Looking for the right mortar for a heritage project?
Discover here the full range of lime mortars for restoration and circular construction. Or get in contact directly.
