FCC arquitectura tops mato gallery in portugal with an organic, sculptural shell

FCC arquitectura has built a 48 sqm art gallery with an organic form that references the artworks of sculptor paulo neves, whose atelier is situated right next door, in cucujães, oliveira de azeméis, portugal. titled mato, the small gallery has been designed without any straight surfaces, resembling a strange animal born on site, mixed with the surrounding vegetation.all images by fernando guerra – FG+SG

FCC arquitectura has designed MATO art gallery to hold several temporary exhibitions of national and international artists within its very small indoor area. its form mirrors neves’ organic sculptures, built as a tubular metallic structure that gently rests on specific points, almost levitating on the ground. the exterior is made of expanded polyurethane, designed so as to insulate and waterproof the building as if it were a shell.

the organic form translates within the interior, where the architects have coated the entire space with plaster. resulting in a continuous surface, the interior’s curves constantly serve for setting works on display, while all wooden flooring has been made out of trees removed from the site.

project info:

name: MATO

architect: FCC arquitectura

location: cucujães, oliveira de azeméis, portugal

main use: art gallery

area: 48m²

materials: expanded polyurethane / metal / wood / plasterboard / glass

main contractor: vieira construções

structure: serralharia m. peixoto & aires

plasterboard: jonitecto

exterior coating: revesnunes

tint: lacca