Rio Blanco Pavilion / Estudio Carme Pinós

Architects: Estudio Carme Pinós
Location: Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Project Architect: Carme Pinós Desplat
Project Area: 75.0 m2
Project Year: 2013
Photographs: Jordi Bernadó

Collaborators: Juan-Antonio Andreu, Elsa Marti, Holger Hennefarth
Site Collaborator: Diego Quirarte

From the architect. The project consists of a small resting pavilion facing a spectacular view of the Barranco del Rio Dulce, in the Mexican city of Guadalajara, next to a horse riding practice arena.

We wanted the pavilion to open to the views and the environment, but at the same time, to give an image of solidity appropriate to the stone walls found in the site.

The building is resolved with three modules containing the program requiring more privacy: the bathroom, a small room for siesta and kitchen (although this is open to the dining room). These modules are offset by rotating about the topography, with the fireplace as the access of rotation. This movement results in more open spaces such as the dining room, living room and study.

The structure is made of wooden beams that follow the direction of the maximum length, which seems illogical at first but turns the roof into a coffer that explains the rotation of the modules well and provides a feeling of spaciousness. While from the outside the pavilion is perceived opaque and small, from inside the effect is the opposite, with a perception of amplitude and transparency.

This project has sought an effect of timelessness and comfort. The good understanding with the client led us to design down to the last detail, including all furniture except the chairs and lamps.