![A small modern building has a circular design that's built using a structural base of timber pillars and beams over a concrete slab.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/round-tourist-building-wood-slats-120821-1210-01.jpg)
AND-RÉ Arquitectura has designed the Alto Tâmega Tourism Info Point in Chaves, Portugal, which was the result of a public competition organized by the Intermunicipal Community of Alto Tâmega (CIMAT).
Set in the Tabolado Garden, the small building has a circular design that’s built using a structural base of timber pillars and beams over a concrete slab.
![A small modern building has a circular design that's built using a structural base of timber pillars and beams over a concrete slab.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/round-tourist-building-wood-slats-120821-1210-02.jpg)
The building is completely covered in vertical timber that complements the surrounding trees found in the garden, while two separate arches reveal windows and doors.
![A small modern building has a circular design that's covered in vertical wood slats.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/round-tourist-building-wood-slats-120821-1210-03.jpg)
![A small modern building has a circular design that's covered in vertical wood slats.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/round-tourist-building-wood-slats-120821-1210-04.jpg)
![A small modern building has a circular design that's covered in vertical wood slats.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/round-tourist-building-wood-slats-120821-1210-05.jpg)
The circular design of the building is accented by a curved water feature as well as solar panels on the roof. The water feature has been designed as a symbolic reflecting pool, evoking the Tâmega River that identifies this region and the fact that Chaves is one of the most important thermal areas in Portugal.
![The circular design of this modern building is accented by a curved water feature as well as solar panels on the roof.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/round-tourist-building-wood-slats-water-feature-120821-1210-06.jpg)
![The circular design of this modern building is accented by a reflection pool and wood slat exterior.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/round-tourist-building-wood-slats-water-feature-120821-1210-07.jpg)
![The circular design of this modern building is accented by a reflection pool and wood slat exterior.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/round-tourist-building-wood-slats-water-feature-120821-1210-08.jpg)
![The circular design of this modern building is accented by a reflection pool and wood slat exterior.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/round-tourist-building-wood-slats-water-feature-120821-1210-09.jpg)
Inside, there’s a single open-space room with an exposed wood ceiling, designed to allow many visitors simultaneously, while the technical areas and toilets are hidden in wall thickness.
![Inside this round building, there's a single open-space room with an exposed wood ceiling,](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/round-tourist-building-interior-design-wood-ceiling-120821-1210-10.jpg)
![Inside this round building, there's a single open-space room with an exposed wood ceiling,](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/round-tourist-building-interior-design-wood-ceiling-120821-1210-11.jpg)
At night, lights line the curves of the building, highlighting the entryway and the reflecting pool.
![At night, lights line the curves of this modern round building, highlighting the entryway and the reflecting pool.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/modern-round-tourist-building-wood-slats-exterior-lighting-120821-1211-12.jpg)
![At night, lights line the curves of this modern round building, highlighting the entryway and the reflecting pool.](https://www.contemporist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/modern-round-tourist-building-wood-slats-exterior-lighting-120821-1211-13.jpg)