Driving urban transformation with the redevelopment of a disused wáter tank into a research facility

EMASESA, the public company responsible for Seville’s water supply and sanitation services, sought to transform an unused mid-20th-century water tank into a cutting-edge laboratory and technology centre. This initiative exemplifies adaptive reuse for sustainable development and land use, showcasing the potential of repurposing existing structures.

The water tank, standing over seven meters tall with a volume of 70,000 m3, features a unique design of 268 slender concrete columns reminiscent of the impressive Roman cisterns and classical basilicas that inspired the project.

In 2019, Emasesa tasked Ayesa to develop the draft and detailed design of the new research centre, which went beyond architectural design to include the redevelopment of the old warehouse, landscaping and surrounding exterior spaces.

The resulting design meets the highest water analysis and processing standards, with a series of perforations made in the pre-existing roof to illuminate and ventilate the new rooms.

The building now includes a central cloister, which functions as the internal access to the newly designed spaces.

The old warehouse has been given new life as a state-of-the-art water processing and research facility, with facilities now concentrated in a single location, improving efficiency and reducing operational costs.

The modernization of the site also includes a comprehensive Building Management System (BMS), which allows for independent control and management of various systems, improving operational efficiency and reducing maintenance costs.

Ayesa’s involvement in the project successfully transformed the abandoned warehouse into a cutting-edge research and innovation centre.

This project offers multiple benefits, including adaptive reuse for sustainable development and land use, improved functionality and the modernization of the site. The project is a fantastic example of repurposing underutilized structures to promote sustainable development while providing practical and efficient solutions for clients’ requirements.