Text description provided by the architects. The challenge on the enlargement of this therapeutic centre -‘Riera Major’, located in a privileged site in the outskirts of Viladrau, Girona- was, on the one hand, to offer an improved relation between the patient and the surrounding nature through a reinterpretation of traditional constructions of the area. And on the other hand, to study the real needs of the centre in order to offer them a moderate, affordable solution.
This pavilion –which will be used exclusively by the patients of the centre– responds to the need of a new multifunctional space connected with the existing building. The will to be an open space is reflected in the section, which opens up towards the forest with two big windows, while at the same time has two blank walls where all the required building systems are located, both programmatical (restrooms and an office) and thermic, energy and lighting.
The main contribution of this building consists in synthesising, in a contemporary fashion, the need of an all-encompassing architecture that integrates both the surrounding landscape and the existing building. We propose to start with the formal model of a traditional architecture –in harmony with the existing building- but using materials and a contemporary image by means of a light wooden structure. The structural system is seen as a boat’s keel, and it doesn’t only work as a fastening component but it also conveys a ‘personality’ to the inner space and at the same time, it displays the volumetric origin of the pavilion. Like in traditional constructions, the structure bestows shape to the building.
We also opt for a careful selection of materials, colours, textures and lighting to be used, in order to facilitate a complete integration of the pavilion, on all its scales, with the surroundings.
