The Portuguese practice lead by Jorge Bártolo designed a Fitness Centre to integrate in a project of low-cost materials with alternative programmatic answers.
This project designed by architect Jorge Bártolo stands out for its research, and its experimental solutions, some not yet proven, with alternative materials and natural resources, together with economic constructive methods, to provide an objective and harmonious response.
 

Description of project by Jorge Bártolo Arquitetura

The Fitness Centre design explores the integration of low-cost materials with alternative programmatic answers. Its light steel frame structure and natural cork cladding allowed a quick and effective construction.

Its curved shape is a result of little twists that imitate the natural curves of the surroundings. This curve, alongside the rhythm of the vertical elements, helps in melting the building into its background.

The excavation material was used to construct the inner pavement and was fabricated “on site”: a cost-effective solution that enhanced the overall natural atmosphere. The mixture of textures combines and accentuates the landscape: the cork cladding mimics the trunks of the pines and the glass façade reflects the canopy of the trees.

The building’s concept comes from the idea of a “dry suit”: in the same way that this suits keep one dry and safe in a hostile environment, cork panels play as a second skin that wraps and keeps the project “safe” and protected, as well as being part of the economical and water-free construction method.

This project stands out as a search for answers, some not yet tested, on the use of both alternative materials and natural resources, alongside economic constructive methods, in order to provide an objective but harmonious response.

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Architects
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Jorge Bártolo, Isa Clara Neves
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Venue
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Av. Dr. Mário Soares, Figueira da Foz, Portugal
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Dates
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2016
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Area
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Gross Built Area (m²).- 400 sqm
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Jorge Bartolo (Coimbra – 1968) graduated in Architecture from Escola Universitária da Artes de Coimbra. Since its foundation in 2000, Jorge Bartolo Architects has developed a wide range of work including residential, industrial, commercial, civic and sportive projects as well as waterfront design and masterplanning.The Office have been serving clients who value personal relationship and high-quality projects. Have been commissioned by municipal and port authorities for urban strategy, waterfront design and consulting.

He is a member of both the Portuguese Architects Association (OA) and the Association for Collaboration between Ports and Cities (Rete).

Ongoing current projects include a Light Steel Frame/cork low budget health club, two residential buildings for the elderly, two renovation buildings in historic centre of Coimbra and Leiria, private housing in Faenza, Italy, Vila do Conde and Figueira da Foz, and a residential eco-sportive oriented masteplan in Alcobaça.

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