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Tema Sistemi selected for the fire protection of the Basilica Sant’Antonio da Padova.

Tema Sistemi selected for the fire protection of the Basilica Sant’Antonio da Padova.

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Authors:
Simona Decicco – Head of Marketing & Communication, Tema Sistemi SpA

With the contribution of: Eng. Fabio Dattilo, President of the Veneranda Arca of Saint Anthony, Former Chief of the Italian National Fire and Rescue Service (CNVVF)

 

A major and highly significant intervention, with an overall value of approximately €1.5 million, will involve the domes, the roof space, the Historical Archive of the Veneranda Arca, and the Pontifical Antonian Library of the Basilica di Sant’Antonio da Padova.

This is an integrated protection plan that combines safety, innovation and the utmost respect for the historical and artistic value of the monumental complex.

The project, promoted by the Pontifical Delegation, the Veneranda Arca of Saint Anthony and the Friars of the Basilica, with the support of the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Padova e Rovigo, has been entrusted to highly specialised companies. The start of works is scheduled by the end of 2025, with completion expected in spring 2026. Tema Sistemi SpA will play a leading role in the active fire protection component through the Water Mist Aquatech® system, selected to ensure maximum effectiveness in safeguarding the heritage assets.

 

WHY WATER MIST?

The choice of Water Mist technology is the result of a thorough assessment of the best solutions currently available for listed buildings of great historical value. After extensive research and comparison with well-established experiences in Venice and in other international contexts, we identified a system capable of ensuring maximum fire-fighting effectiveness with minimal impact on the structures and spaces, emphasises Eng. Fabio Dattilo, in his role as Works Director.

The intervention will be carried out with the utmost respect for the original architecture, without interfering with the daily life of the Basilica. To operate inside the domes, rope access techniques will be employed, making it possible to avoid intrusive scaffolding while ensuring the safety of both workers and visitors.

It is a complex project, but one conducted with the same transparency and care that characterise all the activities of the Veneranda Arca, in constant dialogue with the Superintendency and with all the institutions involved.

 

The Aquatech® Water Mist system uses high-pressure atomised water, discharged as an extremely fine mist that acts on the fire without penetrating furnishings. This technology ensures high fire extinguishing capability, zero environmental impact and maximum safety for protected environments and sites of outstanding historical and artistic value.

 

DESIGN CHALLENGES

For the Basilica of Saint Anthony of Padua, Tema Sistemi has developed a bespoke solution that fully reflects its philosophy: combining engineering expertise, proven effectiveness and complete respect for the architectural and historical characteristics of the building.

The designed system stands out for its compactness and efficiency. It is equipped with a high-pressure pumping unit, PLC-controlled and configured to ensure a precise and reliable activation sequence. The nozzles, operating at 100 bar, generate a water mist composed of optimally sized droplets which, by changing state, expand in volume, rapidly absorbing heat, lowering temperatures and preventing re-ignition phenomena.

The system has also been engineered to simplify maintenance operations and significantly reduce operating costs over time. Particular attention has been paid to eliminating any potential sources of electrical ignition, with all equipment housed in a dedicated technical room, located away from the domes and the roof space, in order to protect the monumental asset.

EXPERIMENTAL TESTING

The system designed for the protection of the Basilica del Santo was tested at full scale, confirming the effectiveness of Aquatech® Water Mist technology under real operating conditions. On 18 June 2025, during the Watermist Day organised by Tema Sistemi, the tests were carried out in the presence of the Notified Body RINA.

The tests assessed the performance of the Aquatech® TS-WMA101 system on fires developing on vertical timber structures, representative of typical scenarios found in domes, roof spaces, libraries and other environments of high historical and artistic value. The trials were conducted using an automatic system operating at 100 bar and a 100 kW burner, with each phase monitored by means of thermocouples, pressure transducers, data loggers and a digital thermographic camera.

The automatic activation of the nozzles—approximately 30 seconds after ignition—enabled immediate flame control, preventing fire spread to the upper and lateral parts of the structure. RINA certified the prompt extinction of the fire and the absence of residual embers at the conclusion of the tests.

 

 

The testing process to which the Aquatech® system is regularly subjected, conducted by national and international notified bodies, ensures high standards of reliability, effectiveness and safety fundamental requirements for the protection of historic assets.
The discharge of micro-droplets of water at very high pressure guarantees the absence of damage and a negligible impact on surfaces, making Water Mist technology a sustainable solution compared with sprinkler, gas or foam systems. This is due to its reduced water consumption, the absence of harmful substances and its ease of integration into existing buildings without invasive works.

 

Conclusions

The project for the Basilica of Saint Anthony in Padua represents a significant and authoritative addition to Tema Sistemi SpA’s portfolio of fire protection projects dedicated to buildings of exceptional historical and cultural value. Following prestigious interventions such as those at the Borghese Gallery in Rome, the Valentino Museum (PM23 Foundation) and Villa Contarini, this new project further confirms how Tema Sistemi’s Made in Italy water mist technology stands as a true benchmark in technological innovation for the safeguarding of cultural heritage.

 

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