Ceramic Brutalism

Conceived as part of the Oceanographic Centre complex, the Cantabrian Maritime Museum was built between 1975 and 1978 by Vicente Roig Forner and Ángel Hernández Morales.

The square volume of the new structure derives from the addition of four triangular elements that complete and regularise the original paraboloids, bringing the Brutalist language of concrete into the interior.

The newly designed second floor includes a restaurant with panoramic terrace.

For the flooring, the renowned Madrid-based architecture firm Zooco Estudio selected porcelain stoneware from Atlas Concorde’s Boost Natural collection in the Ecru shade with a Matt finish, inspired by the look and feel of raw earth. This choice allowed for the creation of large surfaces with soft, tactile appeal in marked contrast to the brutalist nature of the architecture.

The new intervention honours and revitalises the concept of the original building, confirming its relevance in a contemporary context.

“The solidity of concrete and the natural look and feel of ceramic surfaces reopen a dialogue between the power of architectural language and the organic essence of materials. This space harmoniously balances brutalism and natural materials,” noted Zooco Estudio.

The large terrace overlooking the Bay of Santander allows natural light to flood into the interior, accentuating the contrast between the rough finish of the concrete and the soft texture of the porcelain surfaces.

In this contemporary restoration project, the use of the Boost Natural collection testifies to Atlas Concorde’s commitment to nature, sustainability and the durability and quality of materials.