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BTEK Technology Interpretation Centre

This is a project by ACXT and it is located at Zamudio, Vizcaya, Spain. Project's program: Exhibition centre. There are thirty seven images for BTEK Technology Interpretation Centre.

: © Aitor Ortiz

Project details

Project name: BTEK Technology Interpretation Centre
Location: Zamudio, Vizcaya, Spain
Program: Exhibition centre
Area: Built-up Area: 2,600 m2
Year: Completion: 2009
More details: Cost of Construction: 5,580,000 Euros
Client: VISESA
Project by: ACXT
Team: Principal Designer: Gonzalo Carro • Design Team: Javier Pérez Uribarri, Carlos Miguel Guimaraes
Others: Contractor: OHL

Project images

Designer's statement

BTEK is a new technologies interpretation centre, which is designed to be a milestone, a reference point in the landscape, through two, apparently freestanding pyramidal, volumes:

The first one is a black volume that rises from the ground, of a heavier composition and enclosed by its three metallic façades, its roof being formed entirely by a grid of solar panels.

The second volume, in comparison with the first one, is generated by two curtain walls and an Astro Turf roof that was conceived as an extension of the ground and occupies the entire plot up to the limits of the building.

The roofs of the underground connection, also covered by Astro Turf, blend in with the plot and the surroundings.

The entrance for pedestrians is generated through the first volume, where a pleated corner marks the entrance to the building and shows the access ramp. As we descend, a metal projection shelters the arrival, welcoming the visitor in.

Going inside is the leap towards the reception area, called “the gorge” due to its narrow dimensions and its 18 metres of height. The “vanishing points” are accentuated due to the tightening of the walkthrough and the lowering of the ceiling as we go along. The ensemble is staggered to accompany the slope of the land, generating three floors in a sequential arrangement.