HOTEL L'AUBERGE

Better known as the ‘water tower’, this iconic structure of Punta del Este once supplied water to the entire Parque del Golf neighbourhood.

The project consisted in demolishing the entire interior stairs that led up to the tank, building 14 concrete storeys, a new staircase and the ducts for the lifts and service lift that would provide access to the new bedrooms.

The most dangerous part was the demolition of some of the tank’s support elements, which then had to be replaced by others, in order to make room for the lift shaft.

But, as is often the case with many construction projects, the issue of ‘while we are at it’ arose.Time was running short and summer was not far away.

The architect and the owners came up with no better idea than to demolish the water tank. The walls were about 40 to 50 centimetres thick. But then, of course… about 80 cm to 1 metre would be gained in diameter. The plan was to use that space for a tea room – with a magnificent view.

I had no choice but to get down to work. Demolishing that mass of concrete up at the top was no mean feat. We had to use jackhammers, the concrete structure was extremely hard and there was an incredible tangle of rebar. Not to mention the vibrations… Everything vibrated, despite all the precautions, the task was extremely risky.

Those were endless days – and nights – for me, but finally the demolition work was concluded.

We had a happy ending. The construction was finished on time. Architect Jorge Varela López and owners Cristina and Ignacio Carrera were very satisfied. This was confirmed by the fact that in the following years we continued working and expanding the Hotel’s facilities.

As if this were not enough, once the construction was over, we received the visit, followed by the ‘blessing’ of architect Arturo Dubourg, the creator and designer of the Water Tower and some of the beautiful villas of the Parque del Golf neighbourhood. His creation had been respected.