Reconstruction of the Deba Bridge: ephemeral engineering in the service of historical heritage — ULMA Begira
Ulma Construction

Reconstruction of the Deba Bridge: ephemeral engineering in the service of historical heritage

The restoration of historical structures represents one of the greatest challenges in civil engineering. In this context, ephemeral engineering (focused on the design of temporary structures that enable infrastructure to be built or repaired) plays a fundamental role. Although these structures are removed once the works are completed, its role is decisive for the feasibility and success of complex interventions.
Reconstruction of the Deba Bridge: ephemeral engineering in the service of historical heritage
Jul 24, 2026

The directive set by the Gipuzkoa Provincial Council was clear: reconstruct the bridge exactly as it was; preserve its historical value without the intervention being perceptible, and without being able to work beneath the structure.The success of the restoration was recognised in June 2023, when the project received the Europa Nostra Grand Prix, one of the most prestigious awards in the field of European cultural heritage conservation, awarded by the European Commission

We invite you to read the feature article, in which, as well as discovering the details of the specific solution offered by ULMA, you will find testimonials from Joel de Frías Gómez of Harri Construcciones y Mampostería and Javier León of Fhecor, whom we thank for their professionalism and trust. We’ll also share an anecdote from the restoration process which confirmed to us that we had connected with the method and logic employed by the original builders of the bridge, constructed between 1863 and 1866.