At the garden of Torreblai, an ambitious and meaningful restoration project is underway: the recovery of an antique hydraulic irrigation system based on gravity, canals, and the intelligent use of natural water flow. This initiative seeks not only to improve the sustainability of the garden but also to revive an important piece of local hydraulic heritage.
The garden itself is arranged in terraces that descend like an amphitheatre, a traditional landscape solution that historically allowed water to move efficiently from one level to the next. Over time, however, the original irrigation logic was replaced by plastic water tubing connected directly to the municipal water network. While functional, this modern system does not reflect the ecological wisdom or the cultural value of the historic design.
The current project aims to restore the original spirit of the site. A key objective is to collect rainwater from the roofs of Torreblai and channel it toward the old basin, which once played a central role in the irrigation network. This basin will again become the heart of the system, serving as a natural storage reservoir from which water can be distributed to the terraces when needed.
Historically, this basin was fed by the Fountain of Alecua through an extensive network of canals — a remarkable example of traditional water engineering adapted to the Mediterranean climate. Although that historic supply is no longer active, the new strategy respects the same principles: capture, store, and reuse water locally, minimizing waste and dependence on external resources.
The restored system will function through gravity wherever possible, reducing energy consumption and mechanical complexity. Beyond its practical benefits, the project has a strong educational and exemplary dimension. The irrigation system of Torreblai is conceived as a living demonstration of how traditional knowledge can inform contemporary sustainable practices, especially in regions facing increasing water scarcity.
In this sense, Torreblai is more than a garden restoration. It is a model of recovery and reuse — a small but powerful step toward reconnecting modern life with the intelligent water cultures of the past, and a contribution to a more resilient and resource-conscious future.
