Madrid-based architectural studio Zooco has achieved a transformative feat with the extensive renovation and extension of a 1970s concrete structure in Santander, Spain. Their innovative endeavor focuses on the Cantabrian Maritime Museum restaurant, nestled within an architectural complex featuring the Oceanographic Center, originally designed by Vicente Roig Forner and ángel Hernández Morales between 1975 and 1978.
The Original Concrete Structure
The original concrete structure comprises two connected square forms, united by a distinctive canopy. The interior spans three floors and incorporates a central courtyard covered by a vault of paraboloid membranes. A 2003 renovation and extension introduced a pyramid-form aluminum structure to the western facade and roof, further enhancing the complex's architectural legacy.
Zooco's Vision for 2023
In 2023, Zooco embarked on a visionary overhaul of the Cantabrian Maritime Museum, introducing a new space on the second floor that houses a restaurant and terrace. Addressing challenges posed by the existing roof and facade, a new volume was seamlessly integrated to accommodate the restaurant. A transparent glass box was added on the exterior, contributing to a sense of openness and transparency within the space.
(Photo: David Zarzoso)
"Brutalism over the Sea"
Zooco aptly describes their creation as "Brutalism over the sea," an architectural narrative that combines the robust character of brutalist design with the picturesque backdrop of the sea. The resulting restaurant provides a stunning coastal view, sheltered by the concrete structure. The design emphasizes the square morphology, a deliberate fusion of four triangles that regularize and complement the paraboloids of the original building.
Studio Zooco explains, "In a sense, the geometry becomes a recovered element, a vestige of the past, and the protagonist of the interior of the restaurant. Treated as an artistic element, the triangular wooden false ceilings frame it." Here, Zooco not only revitalizes the architectural integrity of the original structure but elevates it to the status of an art form, a captivating testament to the evolution of design.
(Photo: David Zarzoso)
Transparent Innovation
The exterior glass box is pivotal, enhancing transparency and inviting natural light into the restaurant space. This feature aligns with contemporary design principles, fostering a connection between the interior and the surrounding coastal environment. The interior, with its paraboloid membranes, celebrates the rawness of concrete design, creating a dynamic and visually striking atmosphere.
Continued Trends in Renovation Projects
Zooco's renovation project is part of a broader trend in architectural transformations. In recent months, the architectural landscape has witnessed notable renovations, including MVRDV's vibrant HAUS 1 office conversion in Berlin and EVOQ's meticulous renovation of Montreal's Maisonneuve Library, featuring glazed extensions.
In November, completing a two-year renovation of the Louis Kahn-designed Graduate Theological Union building marked another milestone. Additionally, SOM's meticulous restoration of the Lever House in Manhattan showcased the enduring significance of preserving architectural heritage.
Zooco's revitalization of the Cantabrian Maritime Museum is not merely an architectural upgrade but a symphony of innovation harmonizing with the legacy of the original design. As 'Brutalism over the Sea' unfolds, it becomes a testament to the studio's ability to blend contemporary elements seamlessly with historical foundations, creating a space that transcends the boundaries of time and captures the essence of architectural evolution. The Cantabrian Maritime Museum restaurant stands as a living canvas, where the past, present, and future coalesce in a mesmerizing display of design excellence.