Comillas Waterfront 2026: Dune-Inspired Promenade in Spain
Hector Navarro and arkhitekton redesign the seafront of Comillas, Spain, integrating natural sand, vegetation, and limestone into the public space.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Hector Navarro and arkhitekton have redesigned the seafront of Comillas, Spain.
- The design draws inspiration from the dune ecosystems of the Cantabrian coast.
- It incorporates local limestone, permeable surfaces, and coastal vegetation.
- Car traffic is reduced to expand pedestrian zones and ocean-view seating.
Located on the northern coast of Spain, Comillas is a historic Cantabrian town renowned for its architectural heritage, including El Capricho by Antoni Gaudí. Against this historic backdrop, a major transformation of the town's seafront has been carried out by Hector Navarro and arkhitekton, addressing the changing dynamic between the urban fabric and the Cantabrian Sea.
Rather than treating sand as debris that must be constantly removed, the new design embraces it as an active element of the public realm. Wind-blown sand and grains carried by beachgoers are allowed to settle naturally within planted zones and permeable paving surfaces, embedding the beach environment directly into the everyday promenade.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
The overarching strategy extends a linear landscape inspired by the native dune ecosystems of the Cantabrian coastline. The intervention acts as a smooth transition zone between the built environment of Comillas and the sandy shore. By utilizing permeable ground surfaces, local limestone riprap, and coastal planting, the promenade successfully adapts to the shifting conditions of the coastal geography.
Integrating natural coastal elements like shifting sand and wind into structural public spaces represents a regenerative landscape approach. This method avoids traditional hard concrete sea walls, allowing coastal ecosystems to retain their natural dynamics while providing sustainable public infrastructure.
Along the waterfront, individual benches are strategically positioned to offer resting spots with unobstructed views of the sea, avoiding the cluttered look of continuous street furniture. By cutting back on vehicular access and widening pedestrian pathways, the project prioritizes daily community life over car transit.
Key contributors to the Comillas Waterfront Promenade project include:
- Lead Architect: Hector Navarro | arkhitekton
- Landscape Designers: Héctor Navarro, Diego Jardinería (Diego Cuartas & Adolfo Vila)
- Project Photographers: Imagen Subliminal (Miguel de Guzmán & Rocío Romero)
Source: designboom
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