José A. Lopes da Costa and Tiago Meireles, from Atelier d'Arquitectura Lopes da Costa, have planned the expansion of the Steelform Factory, the construction of a pavilion and an administrative building in the town of São Roque, Oliveira de Azeméis, Aveiro, Portugal.

The project reflects an addition that gives a strong personality to the entire complex, a fusion of the use of concrete with glass that lags behind the original element, surrounding it with a curve accompanied by the descent of the street level.
The expansion of the Steelform Factory designed by Atelier d’Arquitectura Lopes da Costa reflects the concept of the Steelform brand, a solid, intangible but at the same time permeable and renewing concept. The use of vertical slats in the enclosure contrasts with the marked horizontality of the project.

To break with the solidity of the concrete, circular holes are opened to generate plays of light and shadow. In turn, on the main front, an elongated volume of glass with the presence of the word "Steelform" on a large scale that reflects the strong identity of the company.
 

Description of project by Atelier d'Arquitectura Lopes da Costa

The project consists of expanding the existing factory unit to the west and south, with the construction of a new pavilion and an administrative building.
 
The site’s configuration contributed to the adopted solution, which sought to maximize the area of the industrial nave, leaving the southern part of the site for the administrative area. This area lies along the new proposed street, giving rise to a curved concrete building, marked by vertical aluminum profiles, which sought to differentiate itself from the industrial volume, highlighting its function as an administrative area.

The east corridor, which covers the industrial nave, connects the administrative area to the existing building. With a strong plastic component, relating to the mold industry, it sought, by means of its language, to convey a concept of contemporaneity while associating the company's brand.

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Architects
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Design team
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Main Architects.- José A. Lopes da Costa, Tiago Meireles.
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Collaborators
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Architect.- Rita Gonçalves.
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Client
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Steelform - Molds and tools, Lda.
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Area
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2,300 sqm.
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Dates
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2017-2020.
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Location
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São Roque, Oliveira de Azeméis, Aveiro, Portugal.
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Photography
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José António Lopes da Costa was born in 1959, in Ovar. He took the degree in Architecture by Unité Pédagogique d'Archilecture de Bardeaux, in 1984. He made his internship in Rio de Janeiro at Atelier Sérgio Bernardes and Associates. Started his activity, in 1984. Collaborated with the architect Manuel Fernandes de Sá, in the elaboration of the Municipal Master Plan of Santa Maria da Feira and in the coordination of the Municipal Master Plan of Vale de Cambra. 

He founded the Atelier d’Arquitectura J. A. Lopes da Costa, Lda. (now known as Atelier d'Arquitectura Lopes da Costa) in Ovar, in 1989, where he carries on business, having won the 1st prize in various contests, the 3rd prize in the competition for the new City Hall of Vale de Cambra and the 2nd prize in the contests for the House of Arts in Ovar and the Academy of Music in São João da Madeira, both with Tiago Meireles.

Also received the Januário Godinho Architecture Award, wilh the House Joõo Sintra Coelho in Ovor, with Rui Ventura. He developed the Detailed Plan for the Aveiro Sports Park and also developed the landscaping proiect of the surrounding area of Aveiro Stadium for Euro 2004. He elaborated projects in dierent places all over Portugal, in Italy, Mozambique, Angola amang others. 

Between 2006 and 2011 he was part of the direction of NAAV (Core Architects of Aveiro). Participated in several group exhibitions and has works published in various journals. Also includes the publication of a monograph on the work of the Atelier.
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Published on: February 2, 2021
Cite: "Plasticity in a concrete extension. Steelform factory by Atelier d’Arquitectura Lopes da Costa" METALOCUS. Accessed
<https://www.metalocus.es/en/news/plasticity-a-concrete-extension-steelform-factory-atelier-darquitectura-lopes-da-costa> ISSN 1139-6415
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