Restoration of the old church of Corbera d’Ebre

The objective of this intervention was to restore the ruins of the old church without drastically changing its identity as a symbol and expression of the Battle of the Ebro, a turning point in the Spanish Civil War. It was vital that the transformation of the church into a multi-purpose hall be achieved without altering the memories it contained. The restoration called for the preservation of the subtle balance between nature and construction, exterior and interior, which is characteristic of all ruins. The perception that one is still “outside” even after entering “inside” had to be maintained. A transparent ETFE roof was installed, which prevents further deterioration of the building by atmospheric agents and notably improves interior comfort.
The resulting space is halfway between inside and outside, thanks to the sunlight passing through the lightweight roof, the breeze, the sounds of the birds flying through the upper reaches of the aisles and the sand floors.

Credits

Restoration of the old church of Corbera d’Ebre

Location:
Poble Vell, Corbera d’Ebre, Terra Alta, Tarragona

Architects:
Ferran Vizoso, Núria Bordas, Jordi Garriga, David Garcia

Team:
Mónica Company and Giovanni Bautista, Xosé Domínguez. Technical Architect: Teresa Arnal and Ernest Valls

Area:
1050 m2

Photography:
José Hevia

1999-2011