Stichting Monumentenzorg Curaçao, in collaboration with Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Stichting Monumentenfonds Curaçao, and the University of Curaçao, announces the launch of the Saltcura project, an international research initiative aimed at developing and testing innovative mortar solutions for the conservation of Curaçao’s built heritage.
Salt damage is one of the most common causes of deterioration in Curaçao’s historic buildings. The island’s coastal location, warm climate, and constant exposure to sea spray create conditions in which salts penetrate building materials and crystallize within walls and plaster layers. Over time, this process can lead to peeling paint, crumbling plaster, and the loss of historic fabric. Historic materials such as coral stone are particularly vulnerable.
The Saltcura project seeks to explore whether newly developed prototype mortars with enhanced resistance to salt damage can be successfully implemented in the conservation of heritage buildings in Curaçao. The project builds on years of scientific research conducted by TU Delft into mortars containing crystallization inhibitors—special additives that influence the formation of salt crystals and help reduce the damage they cause. Laboratory tests and pilot applications have shown promising results, opening new possibilities for more durable and compatible conservation materials.
Funded by the Dutch Research Council (NWO) through its Impact Explorer programme, Saltcura runs from April 2026 through April 2027. The project combines scientific expertise with local knowledge and practical experience to evaluate how these innovative mortars perform under Curaçao’s specific climatic conditions and within its historic building stock.
As part of the project, a series of activities will take place in Willemstad from 21 to 23 October 2026. These include a symposium at the University of Curaçao, a live demonstration of mortar application on a historic building, and a stakeholder session bringing together researchers, contractors, craftsmen, advisors, and industry representatives. The events are designed to facilitate knowledge exchange, gather practical feedback, and explore opportunities for future implementation and local production.
Through Saltcura, the project partners aim to contribute to the long-term preservation of Curaçao’s historic buildings by developing conservation solutions that are both scientifically grounded and practically applicable. By bringing together research, craftsmanship, and heritage practice, the project represents an important step toward strengthening the resilience of the island’s built heritage against salt-related deterioration.
More information about the project and registration for the October activities will be published over the coming months at monumentenzorg.cw/saltura. For more information, feel free to reach out to [email protected]