A new beach support facility, designed with a distinctive circular shape, has opened at Praia da Barra in Ílhavo, Aveiro, Portugal. This modern structure replaces an older building and aims to blend seamlessly with the natural coastal environment while providing essential services to beachgoers. The project, completed in 2020 by Lousinha Arquitectos, covers an area of 276 square meters and adheres to the Ovar–Marinha Grande Coastal-Zone Management Plan.
Key Takeaways
- New circular beach facility now operational at Praia da Barra, Ílhavo.
- Designed by Lousinha Arquitectos, completed in 2020, covering 276 m².
- Annular geometry protects users from winds and reduces visual impact.
- Construction uses lightweight, demountable glulam timber system on stilts.
- Features include public WCs, first-aid, kitchen, staff facilities, and equipment storage.
- Dune system re-graded to enhance accessibility and coastal protection.
Innovative Design for Coastal Integration
The facility's most notable feature is its annular, or ring-shaped, geometry. This design choice serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it creates a sheltered, south-facing terrace, providing protection from the strong northerly winds common in the area. Secondly, the circular form helps to minimize the building's visual impact on the landscape. The internal void of the ring aligns with one of the dune's highest points, allowing the structure to integrate more naturally into its surroundings.
Design Fact
The circular plan, used for centuries, is often linked to concepts of unity, harmony, and eternity. In this project, it promotes a sense of spatial continuity and a calmer interaction with the built landscape compared to traditional rectangular or L-shaped buildings.
Architect Paulo Lousinha led the design team, which included José Miguel Figueiredo, Rafael Sangareau, and Shen Qian. Their goal was to create a new landscape where both natural and artificial elements work together. The building's design evokes the traditional timber palheiros, or stilt houses, typical of this region of Portugal. This approach highlights a respect for local architectural heritage while implementing modern construction techniques.
Sustainable Construction and Materials
The facility uses a lightweight, demountable construction system. It stands on timber piles, similar to the traditional stilt construction of the area. The main load-bearing structure is an elevated reticulated frame made entirely of glulam beams and columns. Glulam, or glued laminated timber, is an engineered wood product known for its strength and environmental benefits.
"The interplay between natural and artificial elements creates the opportunity to build a new landscape in which both contribute to the success of the proposed design," stated the architects.
To achieve the precise annular plan, both the inner and outer circumferences of the ring were divided into twenty-four arcs. This allowed for the construction of twenty-four identical portal frames, each supporting a segment of the ring. The initial layout involved positioning forty-eight piles using a giant compass and a set square, demonstrating precision in the construction process.
Dry-Joint Assembly and Thermal Efficiency
Internal partitions and external cladding were assembled using dry joints, meaning no mortars were required. This method can speed up construction and allows for easier future disassembly or modification. The external envelope combines thermally modified timber and glass, providing both insulation and natural light.
Coastal-Zone Management Plan
The Ovar–Marinha Grande Coastal-Zone Management Plan, active since 2017, mandated the relocation of beach facilities to areas east of the boardwalk. This plan aims to protect the sensitive coastal ecosystem and manage development in beach areas. The previous structure at Praia da Barra was demolished as part of this requirement, paving the way for the new design.
The roof of the facility is pitched at 5 degrees. It is constructed from timber sandwich panels, which offer good insulation properties. Waterproofing is achieved with a PVC membrane, and the edges are finished with zinc flashings on the outer perimeter and a PVC profile on the inner edge. These material choices contribute to the building's durability and energy efficiency in a coastal environment.
Optimized Ventilation and Accessibility
The design prioritizes natural ventilation and daylighting. Glazed bays facing the outer ring feature three panels: two fixed and one vertically sliding sash. This arrangement promotes natural cross-ventilation, helping to keep the interior cool and fresh without relying heavily on mechanical systems.
This focus on passive ventilation extends to all service areas, including the kitchen, staff changing rooms, showers, beach equipment storage, public WCs, and the first-aid post. The first-aid post also benefits from additional overhead lighting, ensuring adequate illumination for critical services.
- Key Interior Features:
- Kitchen
- Staff changing rooms and showers
- Beach equipment storage
- Public WCs
- First-aid post (with additional overhead lighting)
The terrace is visually screened by a herringbone timber weave, a design element that continues into the interior ceiling, creating a cohesive aesthetic. An eastern deck on the boardwalk side serves as the main entrance, inviting passers-by into the facility.
Dune System Re-grading for Stability
To ensure the building was accessible from existing paths, the surrounding dune system required re-grading. Sand was strategically moved westward to reinforce the primary dune. This process aimed to widen the dune rather than simply raising it, creating a more stable base that is better equipped to resist erosion and storm overtopping.
The broader, lower profile of the re-graded dune also has the benefit of reducing the visual impact on coastal enjoyment and views. This thoughtful approach to landscape integration underscores the project's commitment to both functionality and environmental harmony. The entire process considered the long-term resilience of the coastal area.
Project Details
- Location: Praia da Barra, Ílhavo, Aveiro, Portugal
- Architects: Lousinha Arquitectos
- Lead Architect: Paulo Lousinha
- Completion Year: 2020
- Area: 276 square meters
- Photographer: Tiago Casanova
The facility stands as an example of modern coastal architecture that respects its natural context. Its innovative design and use of sustainable materials provide a valuable service to the community while enhancing the beauty and resilience of Praia da Barra.