Note:
Project: The totally striking example of sustained development is the process of alternations where the use of natural resources, investment trending, scientific and technical development orientation, evolution of personality and institutional changes are all concerted and are increasing the potential for satisfaction of human needs and desires – Oceanic coast development for adapting it to convenient life conditions with no harm done to the natural resources
Location: It is an absolutely unique fragment of the territory adjoining the ocean coastline that combines beach zones, rocky coast with cliffs and sandy beaches. There is a plot of land meant for construction and building off the coastline on the altitude of 20-30 meters above the ocean level. Perennial trees and other vegetation are common and widespread on this territory.
1. Intro - motivation - preconditions
Geographical location: It is an off-shore zone of ocean coastline in Alvor located near Cabo da Roca (the Cape of Rocks), that is the "Edge of Europe" on the south coastline of Algarve province.
Apart from being a sample of eco-friendly architecture, our project is a bright example of sustainable development and a program on unique ocean coastal zone transformation used with the prospect of updating its image, increasing its attractiveness and creating a tourist center of the highest world standards on the Atlantic coast of Portugal.
We are absolutely sure that the project, with all its architecture and unique concept, will become one of the brightest brand, new symbols of Portugal and the whole Europe on the whole the moment it is completed.
2. Allegories - the Process
The striking panorama of the ocean and small islands scattered in it can be seen from the coast that is practically untouched by civilization. This is where we began our analytic work with landscape and typology search of the best nooks for future buildings.
It became our main task: connecting this rocky coastline and smooth ocean surface with architecture, as well as adding a convincing modern accent to one of most beautiful landscapes of the Atlantic coast (it is just as important to preserve the ecological cleanness of the coast).
In our project buildings have a constant dialogue with waters, the ocean becomes a mirror for them, reflecting and underlining their architectural merits as well as giving them granger and meaningfulness.
Location near the ocean opens magnificent prospects for the project due to the panoramic glazing of the internal spaces of villas and hotels overlooking the waters. From the side of the ocean the whole complex looks harmoniously, because the architectural decisions worked out by our specialists take into account all peculiarities of the coastline relief.
3. Details
External simplicity and plainness of architectural decisions conceals the innovative multifunction hi-tech energy-saving systems that provide perfect buildings functioning.
The basic building materials applied for the project realization are of natural origin: stone, white polished concrete, glass, metal, teak array etc. Application of unnatural building materials in the project is possible only if it is technologically impossible to do without them.
The architectural ensemble consisting of two buildings located on the elevation is the logical center the territory: those are a SPA-hotel hanging over a cliff and an Apart-hotel for visitors with different apartments and public places such as display hall, restaurants, shops, parking lots etc. Both buildings are connected with a stylobate. An integral part and the heart of this architectural ensemble is, beyond all doubts, a teak-decked multifunctional pedestrian construction running under the SPA-hotel from the side of the ocean and surrounding the Apart-hotel on the level of the sixth floor.
The Apart-hotel is the nonlinear building resting on a concrete stylobate slab. The modules of rooms are located between internal and external sculptural contours of walls. Free spaces between the modules contain tunnels for natural insolation of vertical gardens stretching on the internal territories of public places. The internal courtyard-atrium has a pool with a relaxation zone on the first level. As for restaurant, lobby and reception, they are all situated in the stylobate part. That is where the multimedia space for holding exhibitions, presentations and pursuing educational aims is located. The motor transport is banned on the territory, so the rear underground part of the ensemble contains the internal parking lot for habitants and guests of the complex.
The SPA-hotel is at first sight a typical example of resort architecture with its main facade facing the ocean. Nevertheless, its internal division device and building structure are very modern and technological. The building comprises three levels with open-air panoramic pools; the southern side of the pools is made of thick multi-layer glass. The building levels shift is designed in such a way that the water from panoramic pools flows down in the thinnest water-wall becoming a natural cooler and southern part protector of the building from direct sunlight and creating a pleasant relaxing visual and acoustic background for holiday-makers. The reception territory, lobby and restaurant are situated in the first level with open-air green spaces and the pool for collection and re-circulation of the falling water. As the building is located on a cliff close to the ocean, its underground technological level is designed to become a proper counterbalance and place the mass center in the geometrical center of the structure to keep the building from shifting towards the ocean waters.
However, the main part of the complex, as we have already mentioned, is a dynamic open-air Skyway in space that circles both buildings. Many buildings that stand near waters have viewing platforms and promenades. But here we decided that every visitor of the Complex should have a perfect chance to watch sunsets and behold the nature around from different points. That is why we elaborated a unique pedestrian construction shaped as a sign of infinity. Here one can stroll and descend to the beaches; the spots hanging over the as well as the highest point of the promenade are turned into comfortable places where one can sit, have rest and meditation and contemplate the world around us.
On the left side of the slope opposing the sculptural composition of the hotels there are three large Panoramic villas. Each of them is designed to offer it visitor the most breathtaking and luxurious views of the ocean. The sides of their pools turned to the ocean are also made of thick multy-layer glass where the water circulates constantly. Every villa has a 40-meter-long staircase running to the coastline. The northern parts of villas are hidden from idle eyes – their dark coloring simply dissolves and mingles them with the environment. All internal surfaces are light, and this fact extends the interiors and creates the atmosphere of calm and quiet.
On the right side of the slope there are five two-tier Park villas. Their location is chosen taking into account the basic principle of planning of the whole Complex: the southern side is turned to the ocean; the northern part is hidden from curious eyes. The entrance of each villa is located on the northern side of the buildings, and there on the left to the south of facades the pools are located.
Three buildings of Town houses can be found on the slope opposing the architectural ensemble of the hotels. Apart from their basic functions, these building help isolating our Project from the nearest building site. Every residential module of the Town houses has its own swimming pool on the southern side, and a nook for outdoor rest.
The location of all the building on the plot of land is elaborated to distribute the ground level loading evenly, and to minimize the scale of soil disturbance in the process of building.
The use of cars with combustion engines will be forbidden on territory of the Complex. It is possible to walk on foot or ride a bicycle and Complex services will be able to use cars with electric traction for transporting the visitors. With all that a special construction, the Artery, is erected on the plot of land for transportation and technological maintenance of the Complex.
This construction is secure flooring from the teak array that takes into consideration the peculiarities of local relief. For providing maximal comfort of the Complex holidaymakers, the Artery runs both on the surface and under it through specially created tunnels. The Artery is equipped with special borders on its entire length that is why it is possible to sit down anywhere and have a good rest. What is more, the whole perimeter of the Artery has local or diffused illumination for comfortable walks in the darkness. All outward engineering communications will be placed in concrete impermeable channels running under the Artery.
The visitors staying in the Complex will be able to place their cars in the underground parking lot of the Apart-hotel. The visitors of the Complex and its service employees will use the parking ground located on the left of the territory entrance.
A substantial increase of the amount of green spaces is planned during the Complex erection and landscape design elaboration. Different kinds of selected plants and trees typical for this climatic zone will be used for that purpose. In addition to that all open spaces will be planted with lawn grass.
Participants of the Project:
architecture - Artem Slizunov
concept of club pastime - Alexander Prokhorov
project management – Eldar Tagiev
visualization - Denis Khotin
postprocess - Yana Khotina
making-up and pre-press - Konstantin Eremenko
administration - Ann Маzurina