XPIRAL’s Renovated Nautical Club in Spain Looks Like a Ship Under Construction

With timber ribs protruding underneath its metal skin, the Club Náutico Lo Pagán resembles an unfinished ship, anchored on the shore and waiting for the right time to set sail. Taking on the task of <a href="http://inhabitat.com/gorgeous-church-renovated-into-modern-bookstore/" target="_blank">renovating</a> the old nautical club in San Pedro del Pinatar, Spain, architects at <a href="http://www.xpiral.org/" target="_blank">XPIRAL</a> have focused on improving accessibility and and creating visual identity that evokes naval architecture.

The project is based on <a href="http://inhabitat.com/element-prefab-housing-by-mos-utilizes-fibonacci-growth-patterns/mos-element-house-1-2/" target="_blank">prefabricated</a> elements that can be dismantled at any time (dry construction).

The external staircase is enveloped in polycarbonate sheets and expanded metal that protect the reception area from view during the day, while illuminating the main entrance to the Yacht Club at night.

Using different types of wood, sections and treatment, the timber elements take curved geometries in order to give continuity to the façades and roofs.

The restaurant is accessible from two sides - one from the esplanade for the public and the other, from the Club for the members.

The entire building is dominated by a combination of high-tech materials and exposed <a href="http://inhabitat.com/forest-pavilion-in-taiwan-is-made-from-a-series-of-bamboo-parabolic-arches/" target="_blank">wooden arches</a>, giving it an appearance of a contemporary urban landmark with a warm Mediterranean feel.

The variable sections help with the bracing of the new structure in a light, fluent way, all around the original building.

The restaurant is evenly lit from the polycarbonate ceiling and the curved glass wall that can be opened during summer.

A network of installations and openings adapts to the structure of the original building, with new layers of skin wrapping its body like regenerating tissue.

The new building looks like a ship under construction.