Located on the Ría de Vigo, this project blends effortlessly into the mountain,
with structures that rise up like old layers of earth. When they dissolve into open spaces,
the design reveals the impressive beauty of Teis and connects the estuary and the mountain
in a seamless, natural integration.
The proposal, rooted in a thorough analysis of the environment local architecture and of natural elements, lays the groundwork for the future Marine Research Institute and its surroundings.
By drawing from Vigo’s architectural heritage and integrating contemporary construction and sustainability strategies, the project seamlessly combines tradition with innovation.
This approach creates a building that not only reflects local identity, but also sets a new standard for functionality, sustainability, and efficiency.
LANDSCAPE, PLACEMENT, AND INTEGRATION
The project is designed to accommodate the site’s sloping topography, optimize natural light, and integrate key natural elements like the Ría de Vigo and the Monte de A Madroa. It organizes three main buildings along a north-south axis, balancing public, semi-public, and technical spaces to ensure efficient circulation and functionality. The layout separates the volumes to maximize light while enhancing connectivity through public spaces between them. Additionally, the design minimises the complex’s environmental impact by blending it with the landscape and providing accessible terraces and public areas for both internal and external users.
programME and function
The architectural programme features three main buildings arranged along a north-south axis, with an additional underground volume beside the Churuca building:
– First Block: On the northern side, this building includes library facilities such as reading rooms, an auditorium, and a cafeteria, designed for public access and independent use.
– Second Block: Located on the eastern side, this is the institute’s core, housing offices, laboratories, and aquariums with specialised underground facilities and efficient ventilation and lighting.
– Third Block: On the southern side, it focuses on the Marine Technology Unit, with parking, storage, and technical offices distributed across its floors.
– Complementary Block (Block D): Next to the Churuca building, this block provides storage for materials and equipment, strategically placed for easy access to the main buildings.
COnSTRUCTION AND MATERIALITY
The project harmonises with its environment by combining modern construction techniques with traditional local materials like stone and wood, and by integrating vegetation into facades, roofs, and interstitial spaces. This use of vegetation, alongside the concrete volumes, creates a natural resemblance to the surrounding mountains, blending the complex seamlessly into the landscape.
SUSTAINABILITY AND BIOCLIMATIC DESIGN
The masterplan presents a radial layout that optimises functionality and aesthetics. On the ground floor, there is a large parking area that facilitates access to the commercial area and the promenade, where shops and restaurants are located. Above this area is a souk or central commercial space, surrounded by green courtyards and bodies of water that provide spaces for relaxation. An open-air theatre and several panoramic viewpoints are integrated to enjoy the views. In addition, the design discreetly incorporates the existing desalination plant, and the whole complex is dominated by the tower, which houses a viewing platform at its peak.
The project prioritizes user comfort through passive systems, incorporating natural ventilation, optimal north/south orientation for sunlight control, and a compact building form to minimise thermal losses. High-quality building envelopes and ventilated facades enhance thermal performance, while underground spaces and integrated vegetation create microclimates, reducing reliance on artificial climate control. The design also focuses on energy efficiency, using renewable technologies and energy recovery systems for HVAC and hot water, aiming to minimise energy consumption and CO2 emissions. WELL certification is pursued to boost employee satisfaction and productivity, while a centralized BMS and prefabricated construction methods ensure easy maintenance and cost efficiency.
