The island of Pico, Portugal gained a new attraction with the stunning Cella Bar, a structure that is part abandoned building and part curvy, modern wooden addition.
FCC Arquitectura, together with interior designer Paulo Lobo, have designed the Cella Bar, in Madalena, Portugal. The juxtaposition of the two buildings pays homage to the city of Madalena’s past, and elegantly mimics the contours of the island. The new extension is a contemporary creation, exposed to a completely different language. Restoration on the walls, roofs, and door frames of the existing building set the stage for converting the structure into a hip bar and restaurant. The walls, roof and door frames of the original building, have been restored, preserving the essential features of the original construction. The stone walls, pathways, and low walls separating the site from the sea mingle well with the natural grain of the wooden extension’s walls. Meant to represent the shape of the island, the addition is visually mesmerizing and looks like a comfortable spot for a drink. The interiors were redesigned, shaped to their new roles (e.g. restaurant), and made compatible with current legal requirements. It is an organic, dynamic construction that contrasts with the orthogonal, classical language of the building where it is embedded.
Photography by FG+SG