Pombal Castle’s Striking Upgrade Forges a Connection to Portuguese History

<a href="http://www.comoco.eu/comoco_1c_PBLcastle_17.html">Comoco</a> can take all the credit for giving Pombal Castle in Portugal a rust-colored upgrade that has inspired the local community to reconnect with their illustrious history. After noticing that residents treated the hilltop castle as nothing more than a curious backdrop, the municipality commissioned the designers to create an intervention that would encourage more participation with what is nothing short of a national treasure. The result: a lightweight timber gazebo, a cafeteria clad in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Weathering_steel">long-lasting corten steel</a>, and a series of low-impact pathways that connect the castle's urban base with its regal summit.

Residents who live at the bottom of Pombal Castle hill treated this historical treasure as nothing more than background noise

The municipality commissioned Comoco architects to give the castle a sustainable upgrade

It was necessary to design an intervention with a distinct identity

It was also important to ensure that the renovation did not detract from the existing site

Pombal Castle sits atop a hill, which was largely inaccessible to residents

A series of pathways reconnects the base of the hill with the summit

Rest areas were created along the way to promote reflection

The property is still very green and peaceful

The hilltop cafeteria invites visitors to stay a while and enjoy the view

The cafeteria is clad in corten steel

The pavilion is made from timber with wide slats that encourage participation with the green surroundings

And a little bit of color adds a svelte touch to an already excellent renovation!