Purpose This paper aims to present the damage mapping procedures and conservation-oriented intervention guidelines proposed for a building classified as a special preservation building (Imóveis Especiais de Preservação – IEP), located in Recife, Brazil, which holds significant historical and architectural value and is believed to have been built in the second half of the 19th century. Design/methodology/approach The research adopted a qualitative and exploratory approach combining a bibliographic review, a historical-architectural survey, systematic visual inspections, graphic damage mapping, and qualitative-quantitative assessment procedures. The identified manifestations and incompatible alterations were analysed according to their nature, extent, and impact on the conservation condition of the building, supporting the definition and prioritisation of conservation-oriented interventions. Findings The analyses revealed an advanced state of conservation condition characterised by moisture-related deterioration, coating detachment, fissures, material losses, and incompatible architectural alterations affecting the integrity and authenticity of the property. Based on the diagnostic assessment, intervention guidelines compatible with the original materials and construction techniques were proposed, prioritising actions aimed at stabilising deterioration processes and preserving the historical and architectural significance of the building. Originality/value The study contributes to the systematisation of conservation-oriented diagnostic procedures for locally protected heritage assets, integrating historical interpretation, damage mapping, and intervention prioritisation within a highly urbanised context. In addition to documenting the conservation condition of IEP No. 23, the research reinforces the importance of structured technical documentation as a support tool for future heritage conservation and rehabilitation actions.
Silva et al. (Wed,) studied this question.