Project description by MMV Arquitectos
Can an architectural contemporary volume be a good neighbor to rural surrounding?
This commission had everything to be straightforward. We were to do a renovation and extension project of a restaurant. It looked like a simple thing to do (and quite a secondary one, regarding our other assignments), but in short time two aspects came to surface that would rapidly change our thoughts. One was the fact that we had to work upon an existing, contemporary project in the first stage of its construction, and the other one, relates with the location.
Felgueiras rural milieu is typified by a mixture of traditional old housing amongst agricultural fields and small backyards. So, it became a challenge that would require a very well thought-off alterarion, a sensitive landscape integration, and a general concept approach that would provide meaning to it all.
The client's main intention was for his business to turn a well-known space for relevant events in site and surroundings. Having this important principle in mind, we reinforced its outstanding position in the terrain giving even more expression to the rectangular original volumes. This basic assumption alone was very positive for it brought more flow to the creative process. Light entries, footbridges and exterior arrangements managed to maintain the geometrical purism and constrasting personality but did it in dialog with natural matter.
However, the main charismatic element, to which we refer to as landscape-ceiling, lies in the main events area. All the space creation is based upon a suspended element made of flexible metallic knit. This thin transparent net represents the wind, its fluxes and intensities, bringing dynamics to a very wide, dull ceiling. It became the ex-libris for being so artistic and unique, but at the same time, neutral enough to serve all purposes.
The acesses by corridors and stairs are somewhat extensive as wall, so we opted to give it balcance through rhythm and alignment, eithr horizontally or vertically, using construction solutions or coatings, sometimes only ending outside in the exterior gardens.
We are absolutely convinced that this new space has everything to play an oustanding role to all it will host in the future, without losing boldness and timeless, and therefore representing a success to the construction owner.
