The Douro region in northern Portugal is renowned as the world’s oldest wine-producing area. Historically, the town of São João da Pesqueira served as the heart of this region. To preserve the rich heritage of craftsmanship and tradition associated with wine production and the hardworking local community, the town established a dedicated wine museum.
The museum is situated near the city center, housed in a semi-earth structure located behind a 19th-century wine publishing house.
The restored winery now serves as the main exhibition space of the museum and is fully equipped to produce wine independently using traditional methods.
Additionally, the museum features temporary exhibition halls. The main building consists of six floors, with exhibition spaces interconnected via tunnels and galleries. The varying gaps between floors create dynamic light and shadow contrasts, enhancing the visitor’s visual experience.
The entire space is illuminated by natural light entering through a concave fiberglass structure, which is clad in brown zinc. The contrast between the textured wood and the original concrete walls creates a harmonious and unified atmosphere throughout the museum.
The building features simple walls and traditional woodworking construction techniques, reflecting the region’s understated and authentic style.
Design Drawings:
▲ First Floor Plan
▲ First Floor Plan
▲ Second Floor Plan
▲ Plans of the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Floors
▲ Roof Plan
▲ Elevation View
▲ Sectional View
▲ Sectional View
▲ Sectional View
▲ Sectional View
▲ Detailed Drawing
Project Information:
Architectural Firm: Atelier 405
Address: Av. Marquês de Soveral 2, 5130-321 São João da Pesqueira, Portugal
Category: Museum
Lead Architects: Anabela Almeida Coelho, João Almeida Abreu
Building Area: 2,500 m²
Project Year: 2015 (BIM Work)
Photographers: Fernando Guerra | FG+SG, Luís Coelho
Project Team: Ngella Aguiar, Luís Coelho, Rui Lima Pinto
Client: City Hall of São João da Pesqueira
Engineer: Sopsec
Landscape Design: Atelier 405
Advisor: Fernando Maia Pinto, Museu do Douro
Exhibition Design: Atelier João Borges
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