Habitar PortugalHP

Occupying the same area and volume as the previous building, the new Canoeing Centre is also located on the river beach in Alvega. Its proximity to the River Tagus, in an area that is regularly ooded area during the winter months, determined its position – it is raised off the ground (increasing the ground permeability) – and the covering of its walls, which uses a black recycled plastic profile system that is shock resistant against any objects the river may transport and is simultaneously permeable to the rising waters.
Internally divided into three bodies, which may have different management, the volume is composed by a cafeteria, a boat storage area and changing cabins. The terrace, barbecue area and staircase, potentially usable as an outdoor amphitheatre, are intended for public use.
The interior is divided into three bodies that can be managed independently of each other – a café, a boat storage area and bathrooms serving the beach. The outdoor café area, barbecue and flight of steps (which could also be used as a sitting area for performances), are support spaces for community activities that were already frequent on the site.