PIONIRA
PIONIRA

Costa Nova Cultural and Social Center by ARX
Costa Nova, Portugal
2015

We visited this project some years ago and remain fascinated by it, in particular due to its unusual timber construction technique and spectacular location along the northern Portuguese coast. Upon approaching the Center from the street, one can sense the ocean behind the dunes, but not yet see them. The timber buildings represents a link between the waterfront (views) and the urban fabric of Costa Nova.

Costa Nova Cultural Center by ARX

Constructive inspiration was taken from the vernacular “palheiro” technique, a way of building stilt-like structures on the sand dunes. The structure sits on a semi-buried foundation mesh with reinforced concrete and is otherwise solely constructed of timber. The public walkways stretches into the building, creating a fluid passage from lower to upper level and stunning views on the rooftop.

Ramp to Costa Nova Center ARX
Costa Nova Cultural Center construction timber

When we visited, we couldn’t enter the building and hence cannot comment on the function of the building - but the beautiful location, unconventional construction and largely renewable material choice make it a PIONIRA favourite.

Name: ARX arquitectos
Location: Costa Nova, Portugal
Type: Places
 
Posted: January 2021
Categories: localism, portugal, raw materials, social 

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PIONIRA

Costa Nova Cultural and Social Center by ARX
Costa Nova, Portugal
2015

We visited this project some years ago and remain fascinated by it, in particular due to its unusual timber construction technique and spectacular location along the northern Portuguese coast. Upon approaching the Center from the street, one can sense the ocean behind the dunes, but not yet see them. The timber buildings represents a link between the waterfront (views) and the urban fabric of Costa Nova.

Ramp to Costa Nova Center ARX

Constructive inspiration was taken from the vernacular “palheiro” technique, a way of building stilt-like structures on the sand dunes. The structure sits on a semi-buried foundation mesh with reinforced concrete and is otherwise solely constructed of timber. The public walkways stretches into the building, creating a fluid passage from lower to upper level and stunning views on the rooftop.

Costa Nova Cultural Center construction timber
Costa Nova Cultural Center by ARX

When we visited, we couldn’t enter the building and hence cannot comment on the function of the building - but the beautiful location, unconventional construction and largely renewable material choice make it a PIONIRA favourite.

Name: ARX arquitectos
Location: Costa Nova, Portugal
Type: Places
 
Posted: January 2021
Categories: localism, portugal, raw materials, social 

Related Stories