Architectural firm Jesus Torres Garcia has created a stunning multi-purpose pavilion that seeks to minimize impact on the environment, both by aesthetically blending with the surrounding landscape and through the use of passive solar design and unconventional construction methods.
Located in the south of Spain, the "Non Program Pavilion" is marked by sinuous exterior walls which soften its appearance while also giving the impression that the building is smaller than what it actually is. Drawing attention to the color of the earth, the rear is characterized by unstained natural wooden panels while the main façade boasts impressive floor to ceiling reflective glass panels which echo the surrounding landscape.
“The implementation of the frontage material has been realized by local artisans which assure a sustainability in an economical way,” senior architect Jesús Torres García told Gizmag.
Looking back at the pavilion from a distance the glass exterior seems to cloak the structure in an invisibility blanket with the neighboring landscape providing camouflage via the reflective walls. “I just love the fact that it actually disappears into the landscape,” says García. “This chameleon effect fascinates me more than I expected, it’s just magnetic.”
The foundation of the pavilion derives inspiration from what García calls a “root concept.” Like the keel of a yacht, the structure is tied to a single central impact point which limits its ground contact. “Following the idea of natural footprint, all the foundation charges have been accumulated on one single point,” says García. “As opposed to traditional buildings, which include several isolated foundation impact points, the pavilion emerges from a single root point.”
The interior concrete walling and roof system provides the building with passive thermal mass and the pavilion’s reflective glass windows also help to keep the sun’s heat out on hot days. “The Reflectasol glass reflects 80 percent of the sun's energy, lowering the greenhouse effect and limiting the amount of sunlight entering the pavilion,” says García. “This aspect provides a real sustainable comfort and limits the use of an external AC.”
The Non Program Pavilion will be used for a variety of public gatherings including school excursions, business conferences, meetings, concerts, social events and exhibitions.
Source: Jesus Torres Garcia via Designboom
