© Fernando Guerra / FG+SG . Published on October 01, 2008.

The Gruta das Torres, which is a volcanic cave located on Pico Island in the Azores, was classified as a Regional Natural Monument in 2004.

© Fernando Guerra / FG+SG . Published on October 01, 2008.

With the decision to open it to the public it became necessary to construct a building to support visitors, but one which would also protect the skylight of the entrance to the cave. The architectural project sought to simultaneously achieve both aims by means of an undulating stone wall which transformed into an intricate lacework at the point of contact with the building. This provides an entrance of light which is both filtered and continuous, permitting the uniform illumination of the interior and avoiding the necessity for other openings.

© Fernando Guerra / FG+SG . Published on October 01, 2008.

With the exception of this wall the building is coated with an impermeable black finish in order to complement the colour and texture of the vitrified lava within the cave.

© Fernando Guerra / FG+SG . Published on October 01, 2008.

In the presence of so strong a landscape our aim was to integrate the building, notwithstanding its contemporary design, within the scale, nature and context of its surroundings.

© Fernando Guerra / FG+SG . Published on October 01, 2008.

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© Fernando Guerra / FG+SG . Published on October 01, 2008.

A Gruta das Torres é uma cavidade de origem vulcânica, localizada na Ilha do Pico-Açores, classificada em 2004 como Monumento Natural Regional.

© Fernando Guerra / FG+SG . Published on October 01, 2008.

A iniciativa de abri-la ao público tornou necessária a construção de um edifício de apoio ao visitante mas também a protecção do skylight de acesso à gruta pelo que o projecto arquitectónico procurou desenhar simultaneamente esta protecção e o próprio edifício através de um muro ondulante de pedra que se transforma num rendilhado ao tocar no edifício. Esta entrada de luz, contínua e filtrada, permite iluminar o edifício de forma homogéna, evitando a existência de vãos.

© Fernando Guerra / FG+SG . Published on October 01, 2008.

Exceptuando este muro, o edifício foi revestido com uma impermeabilização/acabamento de cor preta, de forma a assemelhar-se à textura da lava vitrificada do interior da gruta.

© Fernando Guerra / FG+SG . Published on October 01, 2008.

Perante uma paisagem tão forte procurámos a integração do edifício, não deixando de desenhá-lo de forma contemporânea, perseguindo a sua adequação à escala, e natureza, do contexto em que se insere.

© Fernando Guerra / FG+SG . Published on October 01, 2008.

Architects: Inês Vieira da Silva. Miguel Vieira [SAMI-arquitectos]

© Fernando Guerra / FG+SG . Published on October 01, 2008.

planta implantaca

© SAMI - arquitectos . Published on October 01, 2008.

planta

© SAMI - arquitectos . Published on October 01, 2008.

corte1

© SAMI - arquitectos . Published on October 01, 2008.

corte2

© SAMI - arquitectos . Published on October 01, 2008.

corte longitudina

© SAMI - arquitectos . Published on October 01, 2008.

alcado Nascente

© SAMI - arquitectos . Published on October 01, 2008.

alcado Poente

© SAMI - arquitectos . Published on October 01, 2008.

detalhe Porta

© SAMI - arquitectos . Published on October 01, 2008.

detalhe Porta

© SAMI - arquitectos . Published on October 01, 2008.