Sidi Saler Dune Palace

Polytechnic University of Madrid

Project idea

The Sidi Saler Dune Palace project aims to transform the abandoned luxury hotel into a sustainable and dynamic dune landscape. This initiative seeks to address the environmental challenges posed by the existing structure and repurpose it into a thriving natural habitat. By partially dismantling the hotel and reusing its materials, the project will create a harmonious blend of architecture and nature, fostering a new relationship between the community and the environment. The goal is to replace the symbol of opulence with a sustainable and engaging public space, emphasizing ecological restoration and community involvement.

Project description

The Sidi Saler Dune Palace project involves the revaluation and reinterpretation of the Sidi Saler Palace, an iconic yet abandoned 5-star hotel located near Valencia's Albufera. This project proposes a phased transformation of the site into a dynamic dune landscape. Initially, the building will be partially dismantled, and its materials repurposed to create a new environment that reflects both the history of the location and the surrounding natural beauty.

The process begins with the installation of a temporary metal scaffold structure in front of the hotel, providing a controlled environment for the safe removal of the building's facade. As the dismantling progresses, this structure will also serve as a workspace for the construction crew. Once the area is secured, the public will be granted access to observe the ongoing transformation. The evolving landscape will include a combination of relocated sand, newly introduced vegetation, and remnants of the hotel's structure, fostering a unique garden-in-motion effect.

The final phase will see the scaffold structure repurposed into a permanent walkway, guiding visitors through a newly formed dune park. This park will blend seamlessly with the surrounding environment, integrating elements of the old hotel into a natural landscape. The transformation of the hotel's former golf course into a thriving ecosystem for native species further highlights the project's commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement.

Technical information

Location: Along the CV500 near Valencia, adjacent to the Albufera within the Devesa area.

Initial Structure: The Sidi Saler Palace, a 5-star luxury hotel that has been closed since 2011 due to economic downturns. The building is currently sealed off and deteriorating, with significant vegetation growth overtaking the area.

Phase 1 - Dismantling and Scaffolding Installation:

Scaffolding: A lightweight, temporary metal structure strategically placed in front of the hotel's main facade. This structure is braced against reinforced sections of the hotel, ensuring stability during the dismantling process.
Dismantling: Use of heavy machinery to remove the building's facade and other key structural elements, initiating the transformation process.
Phase 2 - Public Access and Landscape Development:

Access: Controlled public entry is facilitated through the temporary scaffold structure, allowing observation of the ongoing work.
Landscape Development: Progressive transformation of the site, integrating sand deposits, spontaneous vegetation, and architectural remnants to create a dynamic garden.
Phase 3 - Final Transformation:

Repurposing: The scaffold structure is converted into a permanent walkway, providing a guided tour through the newly formed dune landscape.
Ecological Integration: The former golf course is transformed into a habitat for native species, enhancing biodiversity and ecological value.
Materials:

Reuse: Materials from the dismantled hotel, including concrete, metal, and other structural components, are reused in the creation of the dune landscape.
New Additions: Introduction of native plants and sand to support dune formation and ecological restoration.
Outcome: A sustainable, ecologically integrated public space that blends the history of the Sidi Saler Palace with the natural beauty of the Devesa area, fostering a new era of human-nature coexistence.