The concept of the project is based on a search for transparency, to dilute the paradigm of the "inside" and "outside“, meeting the very own characteristics and practices of a rural environment, where the proximity, see and be seen, interaction, trust, familiarity, are presented as common values of small communities. The building seeks inspiration in the traditional “Eiras”, where its main function was the drying of grain but, at the same time, punctually, were used as leisure and recreation spaces. We tried a different approach regarding the generality of this type of equipment, designed to avoid the enclosed space and by choosing a solution very open and transparent by removing barriers, never losing track of what surrounds us, the context of the village. One of the main challenges of the project was held with the scale of this building type and its relationship / integration in the local context. Its size was “softened” and “reduced” through the construction of two additional coverages with different heights, using a solution of mixed structure (concrete and metal), supported by three strands of circular columns. The option on the selected materials for the facades concerns mainly with the materialization of the concept that sustains the entire project. It was decided therefore, within the logic of transparency, materiality with visual permission, which translates into horizontal blades of steel, used in the majority coating treatment. The solution, however, has also concrete formwork panels, where the need for physical / functional so requires. It seeks to counter these two materiality, assuming the transparacy of the horizontal blades as protagonists in the visual aspect of the building, taking advantage of the opacity of concrete.
Status: Under Construction
Location: Coimbra, PT
My Role: Architect