The history of Domina Costruzioni Srl begins with Massimo Pellino, a master mason who was able to transform his passion for construction into an art. Born in 1900 and marked by the two World Wars, Massimo represents an emblematic example of dedication and mastery. Using local tuff stone, he specialized in the construction of caves and in the creation of inimitable architectural details, such as the characteristic round cornices.
The traditional construction techniques that Massimo practiced were rooted in local culture and ancient methodologies. One of the techniques used was opus incertum, which involved the use of irregularly shaped stones, assembled in a way that created robust and durable structures. This method allowed for the best use of local resources and ensured greater integration with the surrounding environment. In the final years of his career, he seized the opportunity offered by emerging tuff quarries and dedicated himself to creating wood-fired ovens for bread and pizza, thus expanding his career and his influence in the construction sector.
Massimo Pellino not only distinguished himself for the use of tuff and opus incertum, but also for a series of other traditional construction techniques that reflected the culture and needs of his time. Among these, it is worth mentioning:
Dry stone walls: This technique consists of assembling stones without the use of mortar, creating structures that are both aesthetic and functional. Dry stone walls are particularly useful for hilly areas, as they allow for soil erosion management and the creation of terracing.
Decorative plasters: Massimo also used traditional plaster techniques that allowed him to finish the external surfaces of constructions. These plasters not only provided protection from weather agents, but were also decorated with motifs and textures that expressed local aesthetics.
Arches and vaults: The creation of arches and vaults in tuff represented another of Pellino’s specialties. These structures not only supported the weight of the constructions, but also allowed for the creation of large and bright interior spaces, thus responding to the housing needs of the time.
Wooden finishes: He did not limit himself to stone alone; Massimo also integrated wooden elements, for example in ceilings and doors, using local wood and traditional processing methods such as mortise and tenon joinery. This combination of stone and wood gave a sense of warmth and harmony to his works.
Renovations and recovery: In the final years of his career, Pellino also dedicated himself to the recovery of historic buildings, applying his techniques to restore their original authenticity. This approach demonstrated not only his technical ability, but also a deep respect for the history and culture of the place.
These techniques not only made Pellino a master in his field, but also contributed to preserving a local cultural and artisanal heritage that continues to influence contemporary architecture. His passion and dedication are an example of how artisanal traditions can be passed down and reinvented over time.