ABSTRACT
In the context of Southern Chile, historical buildings are under pressure of seeking sustainable integral rehabilitation. Cultural arguments and technological decisions are issues that these building could not solve together. A gap is observed in the national regulation and regional guidelines on heritage rehabilitation. The article references an empirical case study focused on restoration practices in Valdivia, bringing up tentative discussions on the national programs. Our objective is to link the cultural arguments and the legal framework of heritage restoration, considering building materials as part of history and architectural development of the area. The authors were able to identify seven key points, connecting history with the architectural material conditions that could be missing in the Chilean Public service. Professional experience for restoration practice allows the revision of Secretary programs that are used for heritage rehabilitation at medium and small size historical buildings.
