Nestled on Severiano Ballesteros Street in Santander, Spain, The Cantabrian Maritime Museum Restaurant is an integral part of an architectural complex that includes an Oceanographic Center. Designed by Zooco Estudio, this restaurant harmoniously combines history with contemporary design elements.
Architectural Context
Originally constructed between 1975 and 1978, the building features two square bodies connected by a canopy, boasting a concrete structure. Over the years, renovations and extensions have altered its initial conception, including the addition of a pyramidal aluminum structure to the roof terrace in 2003.
Design Concept
The project aimed to provide the museum with a new restaurant space on the second floor while addressing existing pathologies in the building’s roof and facade. This involved creating a new volume that complements the original architecture while directing attention to its distinctive concrete paraboloids.
Architectural Integration
The new volume’s square morphology results from the addition of four triangles, which complement the existing paraboloids and emphasize their raw beauty. Treated as an artistic element, wooden false ceilings frame the geometry, highlighting its significance in the restaurant’s interior.
Transparency and Connection to the Landscape
The exterior features a glass box designed to maximize transparency, offering unobstructed views of the breathtaking Bay of Santander. Textile curtains add a nuanced touch, providing privacy and shade depending on the orientation, while maintaining a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
Conclusion
The Cantabrian Maritime Museum Restaurant stands as a testament to the seamless integration of historical architecture with modern design principles. By preserving the essence of the original building while introducing contemporary elements, Zooco Estudio has created a dining experience that celebrates both the past and the present, offering visitors a unique culinary journey immersed in the rich maritime heritage of Santander.
