Embracing the Landscape
Nestled within the picturesque scenery of Portugal, the Chapel designed by Studio Nicholas Burns seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings. Encompassing the energy of the knoll, the presence of impressive boulders adorned with lichen and moss, and the tranquil ambiance of oak trees, the chapel embodies a harmonious relationship with the landscape.
Thoughtful Design
Led by architects Nicholas Burns and Tiago Reis, the design of the chapel was meticulously crafted to respect and enhance the site’s intrinsic qualities. The layout, accommodating 60 seats, standing room, an 18th-century altar, and a meditation space, was intricately planned around existing boulders and trees. The height of the building was strategically determined to blend with the surrounding trees, allowing nature to gradually envelop and integrate the structure over time.
Enlightening Spaces
Axial fenestration slots were strategically positioned to welcome late afternoon and early morning sunlight, creating uplifting and emotive spaces that interact with the changing light throughout the day. The architectural plan was shaped around the natural contours of the landscape, ensuring a seamless integration of the building with its surroundings.
Materiality and Texture
Concrete was chosen as the primary material for its plasticity, allowing the form to flow gracefully around the boulders and ponds while maintaining a consistent surface both inside and out. Local slate was utilized to evoke a sense of regional identity, with its rough texture providing niches for moss and lichen to thrive, blurring the boundaries between the built environment and the natural landscape.
Spatial Experience
The design prioritized the creation of spatial sequences that play with light and shadow, offering glimpses of the sky, water, and landscape elements. By altering the relationship between the built environment and nature, the chapel invites visitors to experience a deeper connection with their surroundings, focusing on the essence of space rather than materiality.
Conclusion
The Chapel in Portugal by Studio Nicholas Burns is a testament to thoughtful architecture that embraces and celebrates the inherent beauty of its natural setting. Through meticulous design, strategic placement, and harmonious integration with the landscape, the chapel offers a serene and enlightening space for contemplation and spiritual reflection, inviting visitors to forge a deeper connection with nature.
