sixto marin gavin: sabayes landscape interpretation center

‘sabayes landscape interpretation center’ by sixto marin gavin, huesca, spainimage courtesy of sixto marin gavin

‘architectural works resist solitude, and accepting it when there is no other option, is one of the most arduous professional tasks an architect can find themselves with. when this happens, as is the case with CDAN, alluding to the environment, to the geography where it is installed, always offers a certain respite.’ – rafael moneo

the idea for the ‘sabayes landscape interpretation center’ by local architect sixto marin gavin was to construct a building that itself represents the layers of complexity in the very same landscape it’s meant to observe. taking cues from moneo’s statement in reference to his CDAN commission, the small-scale structure located on the northern end of the site had undergone a series of evolutions on paper, but it was the eventual influence ofits landscape that gave the simple design its magic. the house-like structure is clad in an organic gunite covering naturally-dyed concrete, creating thesynthesis of man and earth like a rock native to the site shaped by unnatural forces. large openings in raw metal frames puncture through the solidwalls allowing natural light to reflect off of the white interior while aiming views to certain areas of the surrounding context. the light plain interioris used for exhibitions, with few visual distractions the attention is placed on the items displayed inside.

subtle profile in context

large openings allow calculated views of the exterior

textured gunite skin alludes to the textures of the earth

natural materials blend the structure into the landscape

naturally-lit interior