Pavilion of Portugal at Expo 2000

The Pavilion of Portugal for the Exposition in Hannover is a pre-fabricated and dismantleable building that was later rebuilt in Coimbra. Is formed from a metallic structure, over which walls have been built and covered with around 55 tons of expanded cork agglomerate and also by hand made glazed tiles on the welcome patio. The facade facing the river is covered with lias stone and displaying engraved letters forming the word PORTUGAL. The rooftop was made out of a double glass fibre canvas membrane and as it is translucid, allows through the beauty of natural light simultaneously serving as an energy saving device. The choice of cork is related to the fact that it is a 100% natural material, isotherm, extremely versatile and totally recyclable and of which Portugal is the main source of production. Lias stone and glazed tile have been integrated as they are two traditional materials which contribute for a particularly interesting interplay of colour and light.