Portuguese architect Álvaro Fernandes Andrade completed the Pocinho Center for High Performance Rowing, a white and winding linear building that snakes across the Douru River Valley. Located in a World Heritage Site, the rowing center is partially tucked underground and designed to minimize its impact on the surrounding landscape. Built to prepare and train Olympic-level athletes, the white angular structure spreads out its demanding programmatic needs across a low-lying, serpentine-like footprint.
The rowing center is divided into three distinct zones: the first contains the communal and social spaces located at the top of the slope; the second zone consists of 130 dormitories for accommodation; and the third is comprised of the training facilities. In addition to its staggered ascent up the river valley, part of the building is tucked beneath a series of grassy roof terraces lined with long and narrow skylights.
By building into the ground and keeping a low profile, the rowing center boasts low energy costs and passive solar design. South-facing skylights warm the concrete-clad complex and the grassed rooftop terraces enhance the double thermal insulation. Contrary to its seemingly arbitrary layout, the structure is laid out to maximize exposure to sunlight during the winter months and shade during hot summers. The rowing center’s serpentine form was also designed to accommodate future expansion plans that would minimize potential disruptions to the landscape.
Images via Fernando Guerra