Gruta das Torres Visitor Centre / SAMI-architectos

Gruta das Torres Visitor Centre / SAMI-architectos - Waterfront, CoastGruta das Torres Visitor Centre / SAMI-architectos - GardenGruta das Torres Visitor Centre / SAMI-architectos - Image 4 of 18Gruta das Torres Visitor Centre / SAMI-architectos - BrickGruta das Torres Visitor Centre / SAMI-architectos - More Images+ 13

  • Architects: SAMI-architectos: SAMI-arquitectos - Inês Vieira da Silva, Miguel Vieira

Text description provided by the architects. 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.

Gruta das Torres Visitor Centre / SAMI-architectos - Brick
© Fernando Guerra | FG+SG

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.

Gruta das Torres Visitor Centre / SAMI-architectos - Waterfront
© Fernando Guerra | FG+SG

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.

east elevation

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.

Gruta das Torres Visitor Centre / SAMI-architectos - Image 8 of 18
© Fernando Guerra | FG+SG

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Project location

Address:Criação Velha, Pico Island, Azores, Portugal

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Location to be used only as a reference. It could indicate city/country but not exact address.
About this office
Cite: "Gruta das Torres Visitor Centre / SAMI-architectos" 24 Jan 2012. ArchDaily. Accessed . <https://www.archdaily.com/200840/gruta-das-torres-visitor-centre-sami-architectos> ISSN 0719-8884

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