Nov 26

AR Emerging Architecture Awards shortlist: Garducho Biological Centre, Mourao, Portugal by Ventura Trindade Arquitectos

The Architectural Review’s Emerging Architecture Awards, sponsored by Ramboll and Austin-Smith:Lord, celebrates the best pieces of design by young architects from across the world. Alongside the four principal winners is a shortlist of 21, some of which we will feature on AR+. This biological research station wowed judges enough to make the shortlist

The site is located close to the Guadiana River, which is designated as a Special Protection Area due to the abundance of rare wildlife. The building, in an isolated location, has the dual function of undertaking research into the area’s diverse natural heritage and promoting this to the public.

Designed by Lisbon-based Ventura Trindade, the centre combines a research lab and exhibition space, together with a residential component.

These three buildings act as a support for the ‘white bar’ part of the building, which contains an elevated walkway. This suspension allows the ground below to be preserved and remain permeable.

Due to the remoteness of the site, the building had to be largely self-sufficient, prompting a shrewd approach to materials and services. Photovoltaic panels provide power and rainwater is harvested for re-use on site. Recycled timber from railway lines was used to clad the balconies and terraces, while recycled cork was used as insulation.

Architect Ventura Trindade Arquitectos
Design team Chiara Ternullo, Nuno Marcos, André Monteiro Rosa, Adelaide Neves, Lourenço van Innis, Filipe Carvalho, Susana Medeiros, Jorge Vicente, Liliana César Rodrigues, Filipe Nunes, Rita Figueiredo, Nélson Rodrigues
Location Maurao, Portugal
Type of building Research facility
Client CEAI, CENTRO DE ESTUDO DA AVIFAUNA IBÈRICA, Carla Janeiro, Tiago Ferro
Floor area 545m²
Structural engineer PRPC
Technical energy João Mira, Rui Batista
Photography credits André Carvalho and José Manuel Silva

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