Client: Merlin Entertainments
Construction budget: 7million Euros
Completion date: 2009

The practice was commissioned to design a new SEALIFE™ Centre and Marine Sanctuary in Portugal’s second largest city, Porto by clients Merlin Entertainment. 

The €7 million project comprises 2,100 m² over two storeys.  It accommodates a large number of displays and tanks; species from the Druro River in Spain across the Atlantic Ocean to tropical climes and beyond are featured in this destination building.

The architecture befits such a prominent site, with a curved building incorporating LED lighting set inside glass panels at ground level to ensure an active frontage day and night.  The first floor, which is cantilevered, is clad in ceramic tiles.

The project is important for Porto and our striking building on the sea front is expected to be a catalyst for the regeneration of the City, attracting more visitors and providing new cultural entertainment and education. Sea water extraction provides the water for the displays.