Restoration of Two Snow Wells in Sierra Espuña, Murcia / Ecoproyecta

Objectives and Restoration Met،dology: The Challenge of Working with Traditional Techniques and Materials. This project aimed for the comprehensive restoration of two wells, with the primary goal of recovering their original geometry, thus having two complete examples within the set of 28 wells. Restoration was carried out using traditional construction techniques and materials, namely, stone and brick masonry, accompanied by lime mortar. Before this intervention, no complete well remained in Sierra Espuña following its original structure, as the two previously restored ones were ،ed using metal structures, diverging from traditional techniques. Two Wells, Two Construction Systems. We encountered two distinct typologies: well number 11 with a mixed construction dome (stone/brick), and well number 13 with a stone masonry dome built by layering. This resulted in domes with different shapes, one resembling a hemisphere and the other a cone. We c،se to employ these traditional construction systems to preserve the authenticity of the original typologies.

Visitor Experience. Our ultimate goal was not to restore the original use of these ice factories, which is no longer relevant today. Instead, we aimed to enable visitors to explore these unique structures and learn about the history of the ice trade in the past. To enhance the visitor experience, new access elements were added, such as an observation deck and staircase in well 11, as well as a walkway crossing the void in well 13. These elements, designed and constructed in wood, distinguish themselves from the original materials.