Located at a geo-strategic site with views of the area, royal road and streams of La Vega, Guadalbaida, and the fords by the Guadazuheros, Torre de Cbrilla is a historic watchtower formerly built for security purposes. The restoration project by Antonio Raso, Alejandro B. Galán and César Egea seek to revive the tower through minimal interventions and landscaping.
The structure comprises two floors and a terrace based on a practical square plan of 6.7x7.32m. Masonry and stone slabs form the loadbearing structure with buttresses of rope and blight ashlars. Additionally, all four sides showcase cruciform engravings.
Repairing the private access road was the first action undertaken by the architects. To prevent vandalism acts and provide safety to the visitors, enforcing perimetral security was prioritized around the structure.
Planting of Mediterranean aromatic plants like rosemary, thyme, lavender, chamomile, cinnamon laurel, borage and so on is planned along the perimeter to define the space and provide natural shade.
Repair works of the access door included painting, reinforcing and securing through a vandal-proof lock. A solid brick cover replaces loose or missing pieces on the rooftop. Additionally, the roof surface is cleaned, secured and covered with a waterproof membrane on the top.
The replacement of battlements or merlons created by a structure of Corten steel is the restoration project's highlight. Thus, the project establishes a cohesive vision of the historic watchtower in the landscape.
