Concrete chapel with open entrance and wooden seating inside, located in a grassy area.

A minimalist concrete chapel with an open entrance, featuring wooden seating inside, situated in a grassy area with a paved path leading to it.

A minimalist concrete chapel structure situated on a grassy field, with a simple, angular design and a narrow slit for light.
A minimalist concrete structure with a narrow vertical slit, set against a hazy sky. In the background, a distant building with a dome is visible.
A concrete wall with visible formwork marks and a slatted metal door.
Interior view of a chapel with concrete walls and ceiling, featuring wooden seating and a cross at the altar.
Interior view of a chapel with raw concrete walls and ceiling, featuring wooden cube stools arranged in rows. Large glass doors open to a grassy outdoor area with buildings in the background.
Interior of a chapel with wooden benches and a cross on a wooden altar, featuring raw concrete walls and a slatted window.
Interior of a minimalist chapel with raw concrete walls and ceiling, featuring wooden stools arranged in rows facing a small altar with a religious statue.
Site plan of an urban area with a chapel and surrounding structures.
Architectural drawings of a chapel, showing a floor plan and two elevation views. The floor plan depicts the layout with seating arrangements, while the elevations illustrate the chapel's exterior and interior profile with human figures for scale.
Architectural drawings of a chapel, including a floor plan and two elevations.
A series of floor plans for a chapel, showing different seating arrangements and layout configurations.
Technical drawings of various components for the Chapel of Saint Peter, including an altar and seating elements.
A minimalist architectural sketch of a chapel with a few people gathered around it, featuring simple lines and a tree nearby.

Story

A Contemplative Space of Raw Concrete and Warm Wood Nestled near the sea in Praia Norte, Viana do Castelo, the Chapel of Saint Peter community spirit and architectural restraint. Designed by Atelier 66, this chapel replaces a modest oratory cherished by local residents. The new structure, a 25-square-meter sanctuary, expands the original's capacity while preserving its symbolic significance. The chapel's reinforced concrete form is left raw, with visible wooden formwork marks, embodying an austere yet profound architectural language. Inside, the space is oriented towards the altar, with light filtering through narrow slits, creating an ethereal atmosphere. Wooden furniture, simple and movable, contrasts with the concrete, offering warmth and flexibility for various configurations. The chapel's entrance is defined by slatted timber panels that can open fully, merging interior and exterior spaces. This design choice allows for larger gatherings in the adjacent forecourt, maintaining a seamless flow into the garden.

## Design Highlights

Raw concrete surfaces with visible formwork marks Wooden furniture providing warmth and flexibility Narrow slits for soft, indirect lighting Slatted timber panels for adaptable boundaries Generous forecourt for community gatherings

## Key Facts

Aspect Detail
Location Viana do Castelo, Portugal
Architect Atelier 66
Area 25 square meters
Material Reinforced concrete, wood
Capacity Up to 15 people

Technical Summary

Finishes

  • Wall Finish: Raw concrete surfaces with visible formwork marks.

Materials

  • Concrete — Structural and exterior walls.
  • Wood — Furniture and seating.
  • Glass — Doors and windows.

Construction / Systems

  • Structural System: Reinforced concrete structure.

Products

  • Not specified

Palette / Lighting

  • Colors: Gray, Natural wood tones
  • Lighting: Soft, indirect lighting through narrow slits.

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