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We were asked to design a building for a very specific use (a veterinary hospital) that would have an architectural design that was distinct from its surroundings, given its industrial character. Based on the site's regulatory requirements, the idea was to develop a distinctive main facade while maintaining the more industrial character of the side facades. We developed a concept for a glass facade topped by a 5-meter canopy, giving the building a more imposing and prominent presence. The biggest challenge was resolving the building's corner, as the site faces two streets. The solution was to create lateral continuity with the glass facade and the canopy of the main facade, making the corner the key point of the entire concept.
The site is part of an industrial subdivision with its own regulations, so we had to comply with them regarding the building's volume and the distances between neighbors and streets. Therefore, the urban dynamics were already established by the lot's design. Meeting these prerequisites, we simply needed to design a distinctive facade. Since the lot faced the main street, the entire concept was tied to this facade. One dynamic that generated something new was the difference in street level, so we had to create a raised platform in front of the street, at the corner of the building, creating a barrier between vehicle traffic and access to the building. It's the enormous 5-meter canopy that projects into the surrounding landscape and gains an imposing presence at the corner of the building.
The main reason was the 16,440 m³ construction volume, which would have been more expensive with non-metal cladding and structure. Of course, part of the work is done in reinforced concrete, as we have a basement for parking, but the entire concept is based on a metal construction clad with micro-profiled sandwich panels and composite sheets. On the other hand, this type of construction is faster and generates less waste, which we consider a rubble-free project, making it more sustainable. We also emphasize durability, as the cladding requires no maintenance throughout its lifespan.
Obviously, these aspects were taken into consideration, for the reasons already explained, including the strategy of rapid construction, both to reduce the need for resources required for any project, such as water and electricity consumption, and to reduce the number of workers and the duration of the project.
We received two honorable mentions at the Architecture Masterprize 2024 in the Healthcare/Wellness category and at the Global Architecture & Design Awards 2024 in the same category. We were also finalists for the National Architecture Award - Prémio Espaço 2024.
The building is characterized by a basement, ground floor and floor, with the basement being built in reinforced concrete and the other floors and roof in a mix of reinforced concrete and metallic metal structure. For the elevations, anthracite-colored micro profiled sandwich panels and a white composite panel were used to cover the flap. On the front, a fully glazed facade was designed in contrast to the other facades covered with micro-profiled sheet metal and containing torn glass openings. The canopy, 5 meters long, fulfills its function of shelter and protection, and projects the entire building towards the urban front. We sought an architectural language that would differentiate itself from the industrial surroundings, since we are facing an industrial area, and would identify with a new concept to accommodate a use as specific as a veterinary hospital in a contemporary and innovative approach.
The studio has completed projects in central and northern Portugal, ranging from residential, business, commercial, and tourism spaces, which test the ambition to do well and better in the name of detailed and harmonious architecture. Nonarquitetura currently has a portfolio of projects in rural and urban settings, including single-family homes, as well as offices and industrial warehouses, where it practices avant-garde architecture with a strong commitment to sustainability. The studio's work is based on experimentalism, creating spaces that provide unique sensory and emotional experiences. This creation is put into practice through the observation of influences from different regions of the world, including magazines, books, social media, and travel, but always maintaining the spirit of the place.
