architecture studio m2.senos has designed a public restroom facility for a cemetery in ilhavo, portugal, characterized by its bold and abstract geometry. the design brief called for a renovation of the existing building utilizing a thoughtful design which would adapt to its context within the cemetery.

m2.senos camouflages geometric and abstract restrooms for a cemetery in portugal
the building has several skylights which fill the building with light 
all images © nelson garrido

 

 

the pre-existing building was characterized by its large scale which made it appear out of context. as a result, the architects chose to minimize the size of the building and to create an ‘abstract object’ that seems to blend with the tombstones of the cemetery. the new design — photographed by nelson garrido — seems to lack any information associated with a building: it has no doors, no windows, no shed, and no porch.

m2.senos camouflages geometric and abstract restrooms for a cemetery in portugal
the unassuming entrances are created by voids in the mass

 

 

m2.senos wrapped the entirety of the building in a green ceramic tile coating, alluding to both natural elements and the nearby church. the passive design approach ensures natural ventilation, facilitated by the north-south orientation. all the interiors are white and enjoy natural illumination through the use of skylights.

m2.senos camouflages geometric and abstract restrooms for a cemetery in portugal
the green tile alludes to the nearby church and greenery

m2.senos camouflages geometric and abstract restrooms for a cemetery in portugal
the new design adapts carefully to its context

m2.senos camouflages geometric and abstract restrooms for a cemetery in portugal
the green ceramic tiles wrap around the entire building

m2.senos camouflages geometric and abstract restrooms for a cemetery in portugal
the abstract geometry of the building adds a modern element to the cemetery

m2.senos camouflages geometric and abstract restrooms for a cemetery in portugal
the gentle sloping building has a subtle presence on the lot

m2.senos camouflages geometric and abstract restrooms for a cemetery in portugal
the architects reduced the scale of the previous building

m2.senos camouflages geometric and abstract restrooms for a cemetery in portugal
the white interiors create a brightly lit space

m2.senos camouflages geometric and abstract restrooms for a cemetery in portugal
the architects used bold shapes and color to define the building 

m2.senos camouflages geometric and abstract restrooms for a cemetery in portugal
the geometry of the building seems to adapt to the site

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