Casa Hamilton: A Journey Through Time and Abandonment
Welcome, urban explorers! Prepare to immerse yourselves in the captivating world of the Casa Hamilton, a forgotten gem nestled on the enchanting island of Tenerife. This once-thriving estate now whispers tales of the past through its abandoned and decaying halls. Below, you’ll find a collection of meticulously captured 360-degree panoramic images, each offering a unique perspective of this intriguing ruin. We invite you to delve into these visual treasures at your leisure. Rotate, zoom, and explore every angle to fully experience the eerie beauty and historical resonance of Casa Hamilton. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or new to the allure of urban decay, these photographs promise a journey through time and imagination. Remember, exploration is not just about seeing, it’s about observing – so take your time and let each image tell its story.
Image by: marcel riedel
Image by: Gianluca Rizzetto
Nestled on the rugged and scenic north coast of Tenerife, near Los Realejos, lies the captivating and enigmatic ruins of Casa Hamilton. Also known as the Elevador de Aguas de Gordejuela, this site is a magnet for history buffs and urban explorers, offering a unique glimpse into the past and an intriguing subject for 360-degree panoramic photography.
The Birth of Casa Hamilton (1903): An Industrial Marvel
Constructed in 1903 by the British firm Hamilton House, Casa Hamilton was a groundbreaking industrial project for its time. Its primary purpose was to pump water from the Gordejuela springs to the fertile banana plantations in the Orotava Valley, marking a significant milestone as it housed Tenerife’s first steam engine.
The design of this industrial complex was a collaborative effort between José Galván Balaguer, a military engineer, and León de Torres and León Huerta. Located at a strategic position beside the Gordejuela waterfalls, Casa Hamilton was an impressive endeavor that cost around 1 million Spanish pesetas.
Architecture and Structure
Casa Hamilton was not just a functional industrial building; it was an architectural marvel. The complex originally comprised three main buildings, along with a warehouse, a now-nonexistent 43-meter-tall chimney, and water-carrying structures. Each building had a distinct purpose and design, harmoniously blending with the natural landscape.
The building at the cliff’s edge was built to accommodate the workers. This one-story rectangular structure had load-bearing walls supporting a gable roof on metal trusses. Its western wall was uniquely integrated into the ravine’s slope. Another significant building housed the boilers and the steam engine, a centerpiece of the entire operation.
The primary building of the complex, located approximately 80 meters vertically and 100 meters directly from the boiler building, stood about 40 meters above sea level. This five-story structure was a testament to industrial might and architectural ingenuity of the early 20th century.
The Decline and Abandonment
Despite its initial success, Casa Hamilton’s glory was short-lived. The complex started facing financial difficulties due to competition in the banana trade. Efforts to diversify and sell water to other parts of the island proved futile. By 1910, it was leased to Elders and Fyffes, and in 1919, it was sold to the Fyffes company. Eventually, it entered the public domain, and the extraction of water from the springs continued with electric motors instead of the steam engine.
Present State: A Ruin Frozen in Time
Today, Casa Hamilton stands as a hauntingly beautiful ruin. Devoid of a roof, doors, or windows, and with some arches and floors collapsed, it represents the inevitable passage of time and the impermanence of human endeavors. Yet, its allure remains undiminished. In 2000, there was a proposal to restore the building and surrounding area for public use, but this project has not materialized. In 2019, it was added to the Lista Roja (Red List) due to its deteriorated state, raising concerns about further collapse.
A Tourist Attraction and a Photographer’s Delight
Despite its derelict state, Casa Hamilton continues to attract tourists and urban explorers. It’s not just the structure itself but also the surrounding native flora, including palm trees, tabaibas, and dragon trees, that add to its mystique. The building is part of a scenic hike encompassing a waterfall, beach, and other abandoned structures. Though the main building is not freely accessible, it can be viewed from the cliff above, offering a perfect opportunity for panoramic photography.
If you liked this blog post, you might be interested in reading about the La Manuela Hacienda, one of Pablo Escobar’s mansions, the International Car Forest in the Nevada Desert or the Goat Canyon Rail Cars in California.
A 360-degree panoramic image inside the abandoned Casa Hamilton in Tenerife, Spain. Image by: marcel riedel
Do you have 360-degree panoramic images captured in an abandoned location? Send your images to Abandonedin360@gmail.com. If you choose to go out and do some urban exploring in your town, here are some safety tips before you head out on your Urbex adventure.
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