Diseño para concurso público de una plaza cubierta en Zarautz, Gipuzkoa

Zarautz Covered Square

Site: Zarautz, Spain
Competition: 2014

Covered public spaces have become an increasingly common solution in urban architecture and outdoor design. These structures improve the functionality and usability of plazas, parks, and leisure areas year-round, offering protection from rain, wind, and solar radiation.

The project developed by Angulo Arquitectura consists of the design of a roof for a children’s playground in Zarautz, a coastal town located a few kilometers from San Sebastián. The main objective of the proposal was to guarantee the protection and functionality of the children’s play area while respecting the urban and natural landscape of the site.

Diseño para concurso público de una plaza cubierta en Zarautz, Gipuzkoa

A Roof Integrated into the Landscape

During the design process, two different architectural proposals were studied to address the roofing of the children’s playground.

The first option proposed a simple structure supported by the edges of the play area, combining a roof and polycarbonate side walls. Although functional, this solution resulted in a more rigid visual presence and was less integrated into the surroundings.

The second proposal, which was ultimately chosen, features a lighter, more open structure supporting an organic mesh adapted to the existing vegetation. Hexagonal polycarbonate panels in nature-inspired tones were used for the roof, creating a more welcoming appearance that blends more seamlessly with the landscape.

Thanks to this solution, the roof maintains a light visual presence, preserving the feeling of open space and the connection to the surrounding environment.

Lightweight Design and Comfort for Public Spaces

One of the main reasons for selecting this proposal was its lightweight design. The structure requires a simpler foundation and is better suited to the terrain in this area of Zarautz.

Furthermore, the design promotes better visual integration both from the plaza itself and from nearby homes. The roof blends naturally with the vegetation and avoids creating a visual barrier within the public space.

The chosen materials also contribute to the comfort of the play area, offering protection from the sun and rain without sacrificing natural light.

A Model Adaptable to Other Public Spaces

The project has been conceived as a flexible solution that could be adapted to other parks and plazas in the municipality. In this way, the proposal not only addresses the specific needs of this children’s space but also proposes a way to create a coherent visual identity for future urban interventions in Zarautz. With this project, Angulo Arquitectura is committed to a functional, integrated architecture that is close to people, capable of improving the experience of using public spaces while maintaining a natural and respectful relationship with the environment.

Diseño para concurso público de una plaza cubierta en Zarautz, Gipuzkoa