EovaStudio, a Seville-based architectural studio, has renovated and modernised a sports pavilion in the Palma del Río municipality of Córdoba, Spain. This transformation has created a flexible and sustainable community space. The sports pavilion, known as “Pabellón Ferrobús”, is a project for the CEIP Ferrobús bilingual (Spanish-English) public school in Palma del Río.
The project’s key objective is to create a community space that will contribute to the quality of life in the vibrant yet evolving Barriada V Centenario neighbourhood of Palma del Río. This neighbourhood is undergoing significant urban and social renewal.
Pabellón Ferrobús is open to associations and organisations outside normal school hours, encouraging wider community engagement and promoting a sense of place and belonging. The renovated pavilion now has its primary access on Avenida República Dominicana, enhancing its integration with the neighbourhood.
Sustainable renovation
The sports pavilion’s renovation prioritises sustainability and energy efficiency. EovaStudio has effectively utilised the pavilion’s existing metal structure, creating a building envelope with glazed terracotta, polycarbonate, and perforated corrugated sheet metal.
Prioritising the use of sustainable and durable materials, EovaStudio specified a glazed terracotta ventilated facade system. The ceramic slats create a semi-open facade, allowing good ventilation and filtering natural light. This, combined with the facade’s other materials and construction solutions, creates a pleasant environment for playing sports.
The glazed terracotta is distinctive for the sense of movement it brings to the facade, while shadows cast by the sun enhance its depth and volume. A white finish was chosen, maintaining a neutral appearance and reflecting a more traditional Andalusian architectural style. Additionally, the facade’s simple assembly system helps to significantly reduce construction time.
The envelope design meets both regulatory and functional requirements, helping to reduce the building’s environmental impact. The design optimises thermal and acoustic efficiency, natural light, and ventilation. In addition, the highly durable quality of the facade protects the pavilion from acts of vandalism.
Reducing environmental impact and improving community cohesion
Pabellón Ferrobús is a robust example of architecture that merges adaptive reuse, sustainable materials, energy-efficient design, and community cohesion. The project highlights how smart design can reduce environmental impact, both during construction and long-term operation, while also fostering strong social ties.
The completed sports pavilion meets the City Council of Palma del Río’s request for a sustainable and long-lasting building. The pavilion has been upgraded with new courts and storage areas, making it more inclusive and accessible to the wider community. The pavilion is expected to improve the quality of life in Palma del Río’s Barriada V Centenario.
