CIPRIAN´S TRADITIONAL SHIPYARD.
Basic information
Project Title
CIPRIAN´S TRADITIONAL SHIPYARD.
Full project title
REHABILITATION OF THE CIPRIAN´S TRADITIONAL SHIPYARD. OUTES COUNCIL. A CORUÑA. SPAIN.
Category
Regaining a sense of belonging
Project Description
The building subject to rehabilitation is the traditional shipyard of Ciprián, built at the end of the 19th century. The proposal aims to recover the original configuration of a building that, due to the passage of time, at the end of the boat-building activity and the scourge of storms, of 2017, it ran the risk of disappearing.
The result is a contemporary architecture proposal that responds to the needs of a new cultural and interpretive use that empowers and transmits to the new generation
The result is a contemporary architecture proposal that responds to the needs of a new cultural and interpretive use that empowers and transmits to the new generation
Geographical Scope
Local
Project Region
OUTES COUNCIL. A CORUÑA. SPAIN., Spain
Urban or rural issues
Mainly rural
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
EU Programme or fund
No
Description of the project
Summary
The proposal aims to recover the original configuration of a building that, due to the passage of time, at the end of the boatbuilding activity and the scourge of storms, it ran the risk of disappearing. Prior to the development of the project, a historical artistic study is conducted that places the building in context within the history of the maritime heritage of the coastline.
The construction process seeks to materialize the project idea:
- Demolish the small associated shed that housed the electric motors from the late seventies, due to its low constructive and ethnographic value, for a better perception of the building.
- Maintain the current volume without modifying it, respecting the memory of the activity that took place there. Recovering the wooden structure of the Shed, reusing as many existing elements as possible.
- Recover the expression of the wooden facades, recovering the existing pieces together with the use of new ones made of native woods that blend in with the environment.
- Evolve the interior of the workshop-sawmill, playing with the spaces, the entry of light and the views, adapting it to a contemporary architecture proposal that responds to the needs of a new cultural and interpretive use that empowers and transmits to the new generations.
The construction process seeks to materialize the project idea:
- Demolish the small associated shed that housed the electric motors from the late seventies, due to its low constructive and ethnographic value, for a better perception of the building.
- Maintain the current volume without modifying it, respecting the memory of the activity that took place there. Recovering the wooden structure of the Shed, reusing as many existing elements as possible.
- Recover the expression of the wooden facades, recovering the existing pieces together with the use of new ones made of native woods that blend in with the environment.
- Evolve the interior of the workshop-sawmill, playing with the spaces, the entry of light and the views, adapting it to a contemporary architecture proposal that responds to the needs of a new cultural and interpretive use that empowers and transmits to the new generations.
Key objectives for sustainability
The viability of the project as well as its long-term financing depends on the town council of Outes, so as it is a municipal cultural facility its operation is guaranteed as it is the only one of its kind in the town.
A detailed analysis of the elements still standing was conducted, identifying those that can be recovered and assessing their state of conservation in situ.
This exhaustive study has made it possible to reuse 90% of the roof trusses and a percentage close to 40% of the planks that made up the original façade.
Assuming energy and material savings in addition to guaranteeing the survival of the memory of the work.
In addition to the reuse of materials, special attention has been paid to the use of local wood, with 100% of the wood used supplied by a local sawmill.
Finally, it should be noted that a special effort is dedicated to recovering all possible materials and elements. Reusing the stone from the demolition of the annex volume to complete the facades and paving of some areas of the urbanization of the plot or recovering singular elements.
A detailed analysis of the elements still standing was conducted, identifying those that can be recovered and assessing their state of conservation in situ.
This exhaustive study has made it possible to reuse 90% of the roof trusses and a percentage close to 40% of the planks that made up the original façade.
Assuming energy and material savings in addition to guaranteeing the survival of the memory of the work.
In addition to the reuse of materials, special attention has been paid to the use of local wood, with 100% of the wood used supplied by a local sawmill.
Finally, it should be noted that a special effort is dedicated to recovering all possible materials and elements. Reusing the stone from the demolition of the annex volume to complete the facades and paving of some areas of the urbanization of the plot or recovering singular elements.
Key objectives for aesthetics and quality
One of the main objectives of the project was to highlight this kind of vernacular architecture. A building made by a carpenter in the way he made his own boats, an architecture made by a non-architect. This has great aesthetic value in itself.
Another of the objectives achieved was to raise awareness about the existence of this type of architecture, which is not always known to the public. The activity conducted there throughout the 20th century remained unknown to the public. As it was an industrial activity, the access to the building was restricted.
After the intervention conducted, the building tells us its history. Its continuity over time is now guaranteed and it transmits a heritage that is about to disappear. The museum itself housed inside tells us who the carpenter was, his way of working through his tools, and a form of local industry, especially important on the Galician coast. An interior space that speaks to us through a contemporary language using traditional materials.
Another of the objectives achieved was to raise awareness about the existence of this type of architecture, which is not always known to the public. The activity conducted there throughout the 20th century remained unknown to the public. As it was an industrial activity, the access to the building was restricted.
After the intervention conducted, the building tells us its history. Its continuity over time is now guaranteed and it transmits a heritage that is about to disappear. The museum itself housed inside tells us who the carpenter was, his way of working through his tools, and a form of local industry, especially important on the Galician coast. An interior space that speaks to us through a contemporary language using traditional materials.
Key objectives for inclusion
The industrial activity of the building itself did not guarantee universal accessibility to the building. Both the exterior and interior spaces were workspaces, and only the carpenters themselves could access them.
The abandonment of industrial activity caused a state of abandonment, dangerous both for the building itself and its potential visitors.
The project guarantees access to both areas, allows contemplation and understanding of the spaces and thanks to the exhibition space it transmits a cultural heritage: riverside carpentry.
Today's world cannot forget this way of building, this way of doing and this way of living. These systems were sustainable in themselves, and today we must maintain their diffusion to use them to improve our present.
The abandonment of industrial activity caused a state of abandonment, dangerous both for the building itself and its potential visitors.
The project guarantees access to both areas, allows contemplation and understanding of the spaces and thanks to the exhibition space it transmits a cultural heritage: riverside carpentry.
Today's world cannot forget this way of building, this way of doing and this way of living. These systems were sustainable in themselves, and today we must maintain their diffusion to use them to improve our present.
Results in relation to category
The main objective achieved with this project is to save a small part of our collective memory as a society. A small part of the history of our traditional Galician industry, that of wooden boat construction and consequently the testimony of a traditional job, the riverside carpenter.
Galicia had more than 100 traditional shipyards, currently only a dozen remains in very poor conditions or in a state of ruin.
With this rehabilitation it has been possible to give life to one of these structures again, guaranteeing its survival and knowledge for future generations.
In addition to recovering the building, the City Council has installed an interpretation center for riverside carpentry. In it, municipal staff tell visitors and students from local schools what this traditional job meant in the history of the region as well as in the configuration of the local and Galician industrial fabric.
On the other hand, the outdoor space is enabled so that local cultural associations can develop courses and workshops on the construction and repair of small wooden boats.
The intention is to generate a living cultural complex that is not limited to the display of fixed exhibition content but rather energizes the interaction between the different local cultural associations while offering a new space for relationships for the people of Outes.
Galicia had more than 100 traditional shipyards, currently only a dozen remains in very poor conditions or in a state of ruin.
With this rehabilitation it has been possible to give life to one of these structures again, guaranteeing its survival and knowledge for future generations.
In addition to recovering the building, the City Council has installed an interpretation center for riverside carpentry. In it, municipal staff tell visitors and students from local schools what this traditional job meant in the history of the region as well as in the configuration of the local and Galician industrial fabric.
On the other hand, the outdoor space is enabled so that local cultural associations can develop courses and workshops on the construction and repair of small wooden boats.
The intention is to generate a living cultural complex that is not limited to the display of fixed exhibition content but rather energizes the interaction between the different local cultural associations while offering a new space for relationships for the people of Outes.
How Citizens benefit
The recovery involves respect for our past and seeks to create a meeting point based on the maritime heritage of the Muros- Noia estuary, where the rehabilitation gives rise to a large covered public square that will allow any type of activity to be held, including the of boat repair, and in turn, a closed part that will house an exhibition program dedicated to riverside carpentry.
The rehabilitation of the traditional Ciprián shipyard aims to recover the original configuration of a building that is a trace of Galicia's pre-industrial heritage.
The main objective achieved with this project is to save a small part of our collective memory as a society. A small part of the history of our traditional Galician industry, that of wooden boat construction and consequently the testimony of a traditional jop, the riverside carpenter.
Galicia had more than 100 traditional shipyards, currently only a dozen remain in very poor conditions or in a state of ruin.
With this rehabilitation it has been possible to give life to one of these structures again, guaranteeing its survival and knowledge for future generations.
In addition to recovering the building, the City Council has installed an interpretation center for riverside carpentry. In it, municipal staff tell visitors and students from local schools what this traditional job meant in the history of the region as well as in the configuration of the local and Galician industrial fabric. On the other hand, the outdoor space is enabled so that local cultural associations can develop courses and workshops on the construction and repair of small wooden boats.
The intention is to generate a living cultural complex that is not limited to the display of fixed exhibition content but rather energizes the interaction between the different local cultural associations while offering a new space for relationships for the people of Outes.
The rehabilitation of the traditional Ciprián shipyard aims to recover the original configuration of a building that is a trace of Galicia's pre-industrial heritage.
The main objective achieved with this project is to save a small part of our collective memory as a society. A small part of the history of our traditional Galician industry, that of wooden boat construction and consequently the testimony of a traditional jop, the riverside carpenter.
Galicia had more than 100 traditional shipyards, currently only a dozen remain in very poor conditions or in a state of ruin.
With this rehabilitation it has been possible to give life to one of these structures again, guaranteeing its survival and knowledge for future generations.
In addition to recovering the building, the City Council has installed an interpretation center for riverside carpentry. In it, municipal staff tell visitors and students from local schools what this traditional job meant in the history of the region as well as in the configuration of the local and Galician industrial fabric. On the other hand, the outdoor space is enabled so that local cultural associations can develop courses and workshops on the construction and repair of small wooden boats.
The intention is to generate a living cultural complex that is not limited to the display of fixed exhibition content but rather energizes the interaction between the different local cultural associations while offering a new space for relationships for the people of Outes.
Physical or other transformations
It refers to a physical transformation of the built environment (hard investment)
Innovative character
This late 19th century shipyard was built of wood, granite, and tile, taking advantage of local resources as well as construction techniques. The recovery involves respect for our past and seeks to create a meeting point based on the maritime heritage of the Muros- Noia estuary, where the rehabilitation gives rise to a large covered public square that will allow any type of activity to be held, including the of boat repair, and in turn, a closed part that will house an exhibition program dedicated to riverside carpentry.
This intervention meant considering the way in which it is built traditionally. The construction techniques of the past had to be adapted to our times. For this purpose, both a local construction company and more specifically a group of local carpenters, knowledgeable in this type of architecture, were hired.
The way to act was like facing a surgery: recover the elements that could still be preserved, cure the pathologies they presented, and integrate them with the new elements. These types of actions require a longer reflection time than for common architecture. In fact, with each step that was taken, the unknowns increased and were resolved through the joint reflection of all the participants in the work.
After the intervention conducted, the building tells us its history. Its continuity over time is now guaranteed and it transmits a heritage that is about to disappear.
This intervention meant considering the way in which it is built traditionally. The construction techniques of the past had to be adapted to our times. For this purpose, both a local construction company and more specifically a group of local carpenters, knowledgeable in this type of architecture, were hired.
The way to act was like facing a surgery: recover the elements that could still be preserved, cure the pathologies they presented, and integrate them with the new elements. These types of actions require a longer reflection time than for common architecture. In fact, with each step that was taken, the unknowns increased and were resolved through the joint reflection of all the participants in the work.
After the intervention conducted, the building tells us its history. Its continuity over time is now guaranteed and it transmits a heritage that is about to disappear.
Disciplines/knowledge reflected
The rehabilitation of the shipyard was an exceptional opportunity to learn various construction techniques and ways of making the place where it is located its own. We cannot forget that the shipyard made itself, that is, the founder and builder of the workshop was the shipwright Cipriano Domínguez Montes who, on his return from the war in 1942, continued with the family trade, so he built the shipyard the way he himself manufactured his boats.
On the one hand, the recovery of the greatest number of existing elements implied the need for knowledge of the original builder's way of doing things. On the other hand, adapting traditional construction systems to current standards.
The new character of the building as an exhibition venue involved adapting a place with a very specific use to a totally different one. The analysis of the expository speech required from the town hall and its adaptation to the specific place meant summarizing and essentializing the proposal to the maximum, in order to get much more out of both the place and what is told there.
One of the highlights of the project was the decision to preserve the configuration of the beginnings of the shed's porches made of reinforced concrete. These unique and unorthodox elements were possibly born as a fix to stiffen the entire structure, but over time they became a characteristic element thanks to which the shipyard has survived to this day.
On the one hand, the recovery of the greatest number of existing elements implied the need for knowledge of the original builder's way of doing things. On the other hand, adapting traditional construction systems to current standards.
The new character of the building as an exhibition venue involved adapting a place with a very specific use to a totally different one. The analysis of the expository speech required from the town hall and its adaptation to the specific place meant summarizing and essentializing the proposal to the maximum, in order to get much more out of both the place and what is told there.
One of the highlights of the project was the decision to preserve the configuration of the beginnings of the shed's porches made of reinforced concrete. These unique and unorthodox elements were possibly born as a fix to stiffen the entire structure, but over time they became a characteristic element thanks to which the shipyard has survived to this day.
Methodology used
During the years 2010 to 2013,Dr.Oscar Fuertes Dopico participated in the Dorna project. It consisted of a European project for the conservation of the cultural heritage of the Atlantic Area, financed with FEDER funds.
Dr. Oscar Fuertes Dopico carried out his doctoral thesis on the architecture of riverside carpentry from 2013 until its publication in 2016.His thesis includes a chapter on the traditional Ciprián shipyard.
During the years 2018 and 2019, both Dr. Oscar Fuertes Dopico and Mr. Iago Fernández Penedo participated in the writing of the Study of the coastal edge from the Broña cove to Punta Barquiña in the town hall of Outes,which had the support of the Ministry of the Sea.This work highlighted different coastal constructions in this area, such as old ramps, docks, fishermen's huts or traditional shipyards, which show a part of the seafaring past of Galicia. One of the specific cases was that of the present shipyard.
The construction process began at the end of June 2021. The important points from the largest to the smallest scale are summarized in five key objectives:
-Demolish the small associated shed.
-Maintain the current volume of the traditional shipyard.
-Recover the wooden structure of the Tinglado.
-Recover the expression of wooden facades.
-Evolve the interior of the workshop-sawmill, playing with spaces, the entry of light and views.
The construction process of a year has allowed us to establish a relationship of respect and enhancement of the inherited construction systems. Since the demolition phase, special concern has been shown in the identification and classification of original elements to reincorporate them in the reconstruction of the shipyard. Thanks to this effort dedicated to analysis and cataloguing, 90% of the original trusses have been recovered, as well as a significant percentage of the planks that made it up.
Dr. Oscar Fuertes Dopico carried out his doctoral thesis on the architecture of riverside carpentry from 2013 until its publication in 2016.His thesis includes a chapter on the traditional Ciprián shipyard.
During the years 2018 and 2019, both Dr. Oscar Fuertes Dopico and Mr. Iago Fernández Penedo participated in the writing of the Study of the coastal edge from the Broña cove to Punta Barquiña in the town hall of Outes,which had the support of the Ministry of the Sea.This work highlighted different coastal constructions in this area, such as old ramps, docks, fishermen's huts or traditional shipyards, which show a part of the seafaring past of Galicia. One of the specific cases was that of the present shipyard.
The construction process began at the end of June 2021. The important points from the largest to the smallest scale are summarized in five key objectives:
-Demolish the small associated shed.
-Maintain the current volume of the traditional shipyard.
-Recover the wooden structure of the Tinglado.
-Recover the expression of wooden facades.
-Evolve the interior of the workshop-sawmill, playing with spaces, the entry of light and views.
The construction process of a year has allowed us to establish a relationship of respect and enhancement of the inherited construction systems. Since the demolition phase, special concern has been shown in the identification and classification of original elements to reincorporate them in the reconstruction of the shipyard. Thanks to this effort dedicated to analysis and cataloguing, 90% of the original trusses have been recovered, as well as a significant percentage of the planks that made it up.
How stakeholders are engaged
Since 2019, the regional government of Galicia has declared the construction techniques of riverside carpentry an asset of cultural interest of the intangible cultural heritage of Galicia, to recognize its unique cultural value in shaping the identity of the Galician people and collaborate in the implementation of measures to its safeguard.
Therefore, because of this, traditional shipyards now have a degree of heritage protection that requires their rehabilitation and restoration as a testimony of this insdustry along the Galician coastline.
During the years 2010 to 2013, Dr. Oscar Fuertes Dopico participated in the Dorna project. It consisted of a European project for the conservation of the cultural heritage of the Atlantic Area, financed with FEDER funds.
During the years 2018 and 2019, both Dr. Oscar Fuertes Dopico and Mr. Iago Fernández Penedo participated in the writing of the Study of the coastal edge from the Broña cove to Punta Barquiña in the town hall of Outes, which had the support of the Ministry of the Sea. This work highlighted different coastal constructions in this area, such as old ramps, docks, fishermen's huts or traditional shipyards, which show a part of the seafaring past of Galicia. One of the specific cases was that of the present shipyard.
After this study, the Outes Council itself became extremely interested in the rehabilitation of the shipyard. Even the change of the political parties after the elections of the 2020, the council kept its interest in the project. Although financing systems were sought at the European level, the city council itself financed the rehabilitation of the building and its surroundings.
Afterall, the project could come to life and became a reality. Nowadays, the shipyard is one of the most important cultural claims of the city, which is an example that can be transferred to other future opportunities.
Therefore, because of this, traditional shipyards now have a degree of heritage protection that requires their rehabilitation and restoration as a testimony of this insdustry along the Galician coastline.
During the years 2010 to 2013, Dr. Oscar Fuertes Dopico participated in the Dorna project. It consisted of a European project for the conservation of the cultural heritage of the Atlantic Area, financed with FEDER funds.
During the years 2018 and 2019, both Dr. Oscar Fuertes Dopico and Mr. Iago Fernández Penedo participated in the writing of the Study of the coastal edge from the Broña cove to Punta Barquiña in the town hall of Outes, which had the support of the Ministry of the Sea. This work highlighted different coastal constructions in this area, such as old ramps, docks, fishermen's huts or traditional shipyards, which show a part of the seafaring past of Galicia. One of the specific cases was that of the present shipyard.
After this study, the Outes Council itself became extremely interested in the rehabilitation of the shipyard. Even the change of the political parties after the elections of the 2020, the council kept its interest in the project. Although financing systems were sought at the European level, the city council itself financed the rehabilitation of the building and its surroundings.
Afterall, the project could come to life and became a reality. Nowadays, the shipyard is one of the most important cultural claims of the city, which is an example that can be transferred to other future opportunities.
Global challenges
The construction process of almost a year has allowed us to establish a relationship of respect and enhancement of the inherited construction systems. Since the demolition phase, special concern has been shown in the identification and classification of original elements to reincorporate them in the reconstruction of the shipyard. Thanks to this effort dedicated to analysis and cataloguing, 90% of the original trusses have been recovered, as well as a large percentage of the planks that made it up.
One of the highlights of the project was the decision to preserve the configuration of the beginnings of the shed's porches made of reinforced concrete. These unique and unorthodox elements were possibly born as a fix to stiffen the entire structure, but over time they became a characteristic element thanks to which the shipyard has survived to this day.
The work could be done thanks to the hiring of local companies: construction company, carpenters, etc. All participants were fully and lovingly involved in the recovery of the building.
One of the highlights of the project was the decision to preserve the configuration of the beginnings of the shed's porches made of reinforced concrete. These unique and unorthodox elements were possibly born as a fix to stiffen the entire structure, but over time they became a characteristic element thanks to which the shipyard has survived to this day.
The work could be done thanks to the hiring of local companies: construction company, carpenters, etc. All participants were fully and lovingly involved in the recovery of the building.
Learning transferred to other parties
We cannot forget that the Galician coast is full of opportunities like this shipyard. A significant percentage of the area's coastal industrial heritage has fallen into disuse and is on the brink of disappearance.
Both the way of acting in this concrete and the technical disciplines learned during the work represent a good background of knowledge when facing existing opportunities.
The only problem is that extending the time when addressing the rehabilitation of this type of buildings only complicates future interventions even more. One of the greatest successes of this project was to maintain as many original elements as possible, and this was a success in maintaining the essence and character of the place. If this type of heritage is allowed to die or be forgotten, when the time comes, there will be nothing left but a few sketches of what it was.
Both the way of acting in this concrete and the technical disciplines learned during the work represent a good background of knowledge when facing existing opportunities.
The only problem is that extending the time when addressing the rehabilitation of this type of buildings only complicates future interventions even more. One of the greatest successes of this project was to maintain as many original elements as possible, and this was a success in maintaining the essence and character of the place. If this type of heritage is allowed to die or be forgotten, when the time comes, there will be nothing left but a few sketches of what it was.
Keywords
HERITAGE
RECOVERY
VERNACULAR
RESPECT
CIRCULAR ECONOMY
