Zumarraga competition
Our objective is to make a building that does not over-power or detract from the distinct architectural character and religious significance of the La Antigua Chapel. As a centre for interpretation we believe the building should be inclusive of the dramatic landscape and should belong to the landscape both physically and formally. In this way the proposal is to make a building that mediates between the architecture of the chapel and the landscape in which it sits.The building is set into the landscape as a series of stratified layers of local stones similar in size and treatment to those used in the construction of the adjacent church. Intermediate bands of concrete articulate the built form as a series of layers rather than a single homogenous mass. This strategy allows for the placement of large windows which frame strongly defined views through deep set reveals to the surrounding context.
The three distinct exhibition themes (Landscape, Town and Church) are used as a principle device to organise the building. Each theme is housed within a discrete room or 'hall' within the building. These volumes constructed of local stone each two storeys in height are placed in the landscape in a purposeful relationship with the context.