selgascano invades fondation d’entreprise martell's courtyard with transparent pavilion

spanish architecture firm selgascano has created an undulating pavilion that spreads across the fondation d’entreprise martell in cognac. standing as the first project in france by josé selgas and lucìa cano, the pavilion is true to the duo’s aesthetic of transparency and openness to the outside world. here, the translucent material used for the structure reacts to natural light to create a constantly changing iridescent effect.

the pavilion is comprised of modules constructed from hi-tech materials
image © iwan baan (also main image) | all images courtesy of cognac SCA

launched in october 2016, the fondation d’entreprise martell offers a rich and varied program of events promoting local, national, and international collaborations. occupying a landmark building within the town of cognac, the pavillon martell de selgascano is the second commission to arrive at the foundation.

a metal framework is covered by a translucent material developed by french brand onduline
image © iwan baan

the material — developed by french brand onduline — used to realize the pavilion is strong, watertight, and continuous. the multifaceted reflections are highlighted by the organic and flexible shape aimed to sit in harmony with the natural surroundings. its use will be a place to host visitors and events, where inflatable seats installed in the structure, attached by straps, will allow visitors to sit, lean, or stretch out in the context of workshops, concerts, presentations, and other diverse occasions. opened just in time for the summer, the pavilion will be dismantled in 2018 to be reconstructed elsewhere.

inflatable seats installed in the structure, attached by straps, will allow visitors to make use of the structure
image © iwan baan

‘we were given an extensive blank canvas and we wanted to set the tone by occupying the entire site with our pavilion, in the hope of inspiring future artists, architects and designers’, explains selgascano. ‘the second important decision for us was to work with just one material… lightness has been a constant and integral aspect of our work, and we saw this project as a unique possibility to experiment and explore that concept further.’

the material came in a roll just 1 mm thick, made from polyester and fiberglass
image © iwan baan

the pavilion will be dismantled in 2018 before being relocated
image © iwan baan

the in situ commission was inaugurated in june 2017
image © iwan baan

the foundation will ultimately extend over nearly 5,000 sqm and five floors
image © iwan baan