Hidden within the dense vegetation of Condeixa-a-Nova, in the district of Coimbra, a river and a cascading stream sustain an ecosystem of high biodiversity and natural value. The challenge was to make this territory accessible without altering its character — creating a route that brings people closer while preserving the balance of the place and introducing a space for contemplation, education and leisure.
Structures in recycled plastic
Boardwalks and stairways
Boardwalk in recycled plastic
The objective was to construct anti-slip structures that ensure pedestrian safety in an extremely humid environment during colder seasons. With anti-rot properties, these structures resist continuous contact with water and damp soil, facilitating circulation along what was previously a difficult and uneven route.
Beyond circulation, it was essential that the structures remained discreet and neutral within the landscape. The project resulted from an exhaustive on-site study, allowing each boardwalk and stair segment to follow the irregular terrain and rocky slope, ensuring continuity, stability and integration.
Bridges
Suspended bridge in recycled plastic
Steel bridge with recycled plastic decking
Two bridge typologies were implemented across the riverbed, both featuring anti-slip recycled plastic decking: a metal-framed clad bridge and a suspended bridge.
The static bridge, in metal and recycled plastic, provides a stable crossing over a river with controlled flow. In contrast, the fluidity and flexibility of the suspended bridge create an observation point over the waterfall and river current during wetter seasons, and over the dry, irregular and constantly changing riverbed during summer.
Both were designed to respond to seasonal conditions while maintaining safety and continuity of the route.
Viewpoint
Steel viewpoint
A resting and observation point was created in steel, including recycled plastic benches and an interpretive table narrating the surrounding landscape and local biodiversity.
This structure offers a moment of pause, reading and awareness, maintaining a discreet and integrated presence within the territory.
Safety structures
Steel cable handrail
In this type of intervention, understanding the territory precedes form. Safety does not always require complex structures: in certain sections, simple handrails — in steel cable or recycled plastic — were sufficient to ensure safe passage with minimal visual impact.
Signage
Custom information panel
Nature signage
Informative panels at the beginning and along the route introduce the experience and present orientation maps. Interpretive tables, placed at strategic points, narrate the landscape and local ecosystems. Markers and bollards guide walkers and reinforce safety.
All communication supports were developed using recycled plastic structures and implemented with a conscious and sustainable approach, prioritising durability, resistance and integration within the natural environment.
Client: Condeixa Town Council Design, production and implementation: Floema