Project

Chapel Of Saint Peter

- Viana do Castelo, Portugal

A contemplative space of raw concrete and warm wood, the Chapel of Saint Peter in Viana do Castelo harmonizes community devotion with minimalist architecture.

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.

Story

Chapel Of Saint Peter

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

Updated 4/15/2026

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.

Images

Concrete chapel with open entrance and wooden seating inside, located in a grassy area.
Minimalist concrete chapel with angular design on a grassy field.
Minimalist concrete structure with vertical slit and distant dome building.
Concrete wall with formwork marks and a slatted metal door.
Interior of a chapel with concrete walls and ceiling, wooden seating, and a cross at the altar.
Chapel interior with concrete walls and wooden stools, glass doors leading to an outdoor area.
Chapel interior with wooden benches and altar, raw concrete walls, and a slatted window.
Minimalist chapel interior with concrete walls and wooden stools facing an altar with a statue.
A detailed site plan showing the layout of an urban area, including a chapel, roads, trees, and nearby buildings.
Architectural drawings of a chapel with floor plan and elevation views, including seating and human figures.
Architectural drawings showing a chapel's floor plan and two elevations, with a cross and trees depicted.
Floor plans of a chapel with various seating arrangements displayed.
Technical drawings showing design details for the Chapel of Saint Peter, featuring an altar and seating elements.
Minimalist sketch of a chapel with people and a tree.

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