Former Church of Corbera d’Ebre

Former Church of Corbera d’Ebre

Antiga església de Corbera d'Ebre

The main objective of the intervention was to restore the public use of the former temple without excessively altering its appearance, as it stands as a symbol and expression of the Battle of the Ebro. Its transformation into a large multifunctional hall had to avoid modifying the historical memory so clearly embodied by the building.

In the third phase, structural consolidation of the ruin was completed and the new ETFE roof was built. The transparent and very lightweight covering, designed not to endanger the fragile existing structures, prevents deterioration caused by weathering, ties the whole construction together, and significantly improves its habitability conditions.

From the very beginning, one principle guided the intervention: the restoration had to preserve the subtle balance between nature and construction inherent to all ruins. Upon entering, the sensation of still being outdoors had to remain. Sun rays passing through the roof, breezes and birdsong crossing the high naves, and the sand flooring have made this possible. The result is an original, romantic setting halfway between exterior and interior.

Categoria:

Status: Built

Client:
Ajuntament de Corbera d’Ebre
INCASOL, Government of Catalonia (phases 1 and 2)
Ministry of Public Works (phase 3)

Location: Corbera d’Ebre, Terra Alta, Tarragona

Dates (start and completion): 1999–2011

Area: 1,050 m²

Budget (PEM): €831,500

Awards:
First prize in ideas competition for young architects
First “Qualitat Ebrenca” Award, Rehabilitation 2011

Co-authors:
David Garcia, architect (phase 1)
Núria Bordas and Jordi Garriga, architects

Structure: Jaume Saló, IASO SA

Quantity surveyors:
Teresa Arnal (phases 1 and 2)
Ernest Valls (phase 3)

Construction companies:
Construccions Jaén Vallés SL (phase 1)
Trac Rehabilitació SL (phase 2)
Becsa SA and IASO SA (phase 3)

Collaborators:
Mónica Company and Giovanni Bautista, architects (competition)
Xosé Domínguez, architect (phase 3)

Images: José Hevia