The Casabella magazine, in its 804th edition, has published an extensive report on the statement made by the architects Mercedes Heritage Varela and Luis Castillo Villegas in the Tower “The Castle” Huércal-Overa. It is a thirteenth-century watchtower Nazari, which was built in the final moments of this kingdom. Located atop a hill overlooking the surrounding valleys, this ancient fortress of which have retained only the central elements, was part of a defensive belt of the border.

The project authors believe that “this intervention, modest and risky at a time, aims to show the timelessness of traditional forms, made by anonymous builders and craftsmen, in contrast to the lightweight nature, evanescent and contemporary degradable” and, in accordance with the objectives of the commission aimed at restoring the original building and facilitate access, “criteria are followed to preserve the original materials whenever possible, eliminated by adding to them elements resurjan originales. Given the archaeological importance of the place, the new elements that are implemented are designed as removable items, placed directly on the ground without foundation and designed with materials that contrast with those originally used in the construction of the tower. Instead of rebuilding, emphasizes the new project to highlight the original features missing”. In his report described that “using the existing topography to minimize soil disturbance. The park is situated on a plateau existing. The customer service office is located in a house cut steel monolithic. As a shipping container, indicates their temporary and reversible. To recover the original access to the tower, has designed a steel staircase cut. It is a light, metallic object, which contrasts with the original construction materials. Faced with the strength of the rectangular shapes of the tower, the staircase is a circular element of an interim nature and oxidized. This cylinder is perforated steel selectively controlled to create views of the landscape. So, to walk the stairs, are encouraged to contemplate this desert landscape is often plagued by high winds. The fundamental criterion for the restoration of the existing tower was to retain the original elements, added and removed by the original material surface where it has been possible. For this Opening laughing holes closed, were eliminated layers of plaster and paint to find the brick lining. Similarly abroad, repaired the wall of mud, as retaining the original patina as possible. Among other works by the architectural firm of View Mercedes Varela and Luis Castillo Villegas can be viewed at the following web page: Adapting to Liceo Centro Andaluz de la Photographie, Unity Day Centre and Day Care Home II, Public Garden at La Chanca. Almería