A historic garden transformed into a hotel
Date
2011-2012
Location
Asturias (Spain)
Type
Hospitality
Trees
9
Area
2.000 m2
Status
Built
Rural tourism has experienced significant growth in recent years, and the restoration and transformation of historic buildings into rural hotels offers a unique opportunity to preserve and revitalize our architectural and cultural heritage… Or perhaps not?
The houses built by the indianos were often erected in prominent positions, overlooking their surroundings, with symmetrical façades, glazed galleries, lookout towers or monumental staircases. But if the architecture was important, the garden was even more so. The indiano garden was not a mere ornamental addition. It was the space where the journey took physical form. Palms, magnolias, camellias, araucarias and other exotic species coexisted with local vegetation, creating a vegetal scenography that spoke of departure and return, of memory and aspiration. The palm tree, in particular, became an unmistakable symbol of that American experience. | These gardens combined order and exuberance. Straight paths, geometric parterres and alignments coexisted with open lawns and large, mature trees. They were gardens meant to be seen from the house and from the street—gardens that displayed prosperity but also a desire for modernity. Today, many of these houses and gardens form an essential part of the cultural heritage of the Atlantic landscape. Beyond their aesthetic value, they represent a social phenomenon: the impact of migration on the transformation of the territory. They stand as testimony to how the movement of people also implied a movement of ideas, architectural styles and plant species. |
ABOUT GARDEN PLANNING
Our project focuses on the restoration of the garden of an early 20th-century indiano house. The process involved thorough research into historic indiano gardens, with the aim of understanding and reinterpreting their characteristic language and aesthetic.
As designers, we must consider the needs and expectations of the different users of the garden, both hotel guests and staff. This means thinking about recreation and relaxation areas, work and maintenance spaces, and ensuring accessibility, safety, and privacy for all users.
The garden design must also seek harmony between the hotel’s architecture and its surroundings. We believe the garden should be an extension of nature rather than an imposition upon it.
DESIGNING A GARDEN IN ASTURIAS
Every place has its own unique characteristics that must be considered in the design process. In the case of a garden in Eastern Asturias, topography, climate, and native vegetation are key factors to take into account.
The site’s topography can significantly influence the garden design, and it is essential to ensure that the different areas of the garden are in harmony with the natural slope of the land. In addition, the region’s climate may determine plant selection and the orientation of the garden in order to maximize sunlight and protect it from strong winds. Choosing native plants adapted to the local climate and soil conditions is also an important consideration. Native species are not only easier to maintain, but they are also better suited to the local ecosystem and can help attract native wildlife to the area.
