Overview:

This international one-stage architecture competition invites all architecture students, young architects and young professionals with a degree in architecture studies (≤ 40 years old) to develop and submit compelling ideas for the design of Lake Baths located in Serra da Estrela, Portugal.

Lagoa Comprida is a remarkable lake in a prominent landscape. A place with one of the most impressive traces from the Ice Age period, a glacier lake with impressive fields of erratic boulders.

When generating a vision for an intervention located within such a spectacular place, it is essential that each proposal emphasizes, respects and celebrates the site, while providing visitors with a unique experience.

Site History:

Serra da Estrela is located in the east central part of Portugal within the boundaries of the Parque Natural da Serra da Estrela (85 000 hectares). Serra da Estrela has the highest summit at 1993 m of mainland Portugal and is part of the Central Range (Cordilheira Central) of the Iberian Peninsula. The mountains consist mainly of granite rock in its central part and schists along its periphery. The extensive plateaus delimited by abrupt slopes, rivers, streams, water springs and lakes are striking elements in the landscape of the Serra.

The Ice Age left astonishing landscape formations within the Serra da Estrela. Glacier valleys, rocks with polished surfaces, moraines, boulders, cirques, lakes and wetland meadows are landscape traces of the glacial erosional landforms.

Serra da Estrela is an area of rare landscape beauty with a remarkable scenery and spectacular mountainous backdrop, where the visitor can have a deep and meaningful experience with nature.

(more information in competition brief)