linen-covered pinewood frame forms pyramidal water shelter by p + s in rouen’s forest

the pavilion establishes a distinct geometric presence in contrast with its natural surroundings.

P + S Estudio edited by christina vergopoulou February 12, 2025 4 min

COMPLUVIUM: A Pavilion Shaped by Water and Light

COMPLUVIUM by P + S Estudio de Arquitectura is designed as a spatial structure that emphasizes the climatic characteristics of Rouen and the forested environment of Canteleu, particularly the region’s frequent rainfall. The pavilion establishes a distinct geometric presence in contrast with its natural surroundings while simultaneously integrating into the landscape through a semi-transparent skin composed of linen and fiberglass. These materials, when exposed to light, alter the pavilion’s appearance, creating a shifting visual relationship with its environment.

The design prioritizes an inward architectural experience that highlights the presence of water in the forest. Instead of providing shelter from rain, the pavilion is conceived as a space that collects and frames it. This concept is expressed through a geometric configuration that defines a central void within a 5 x 5 x 5-meter virtual cube. The inward-sloping roofs channel rainwater toward the center, referencing historical precedents such as the Roman atrium and the traditional Diola dwellings of southern Senegal, both of which incorporate rainwater collection as a fundamental spatial principle. The pavilion functions as a contemplative structure, activated by water without a utilitarian purpose beyond observation and experience.

linen-covered pinewood frame forms pyramidal water shelter by p + s in rouen's forest - 1 — all images by P + S Estudio de Arquitectura unless stated otherwise

P + S crafts the pavilion with pinewood, fiberglass, and linen

The material composition by P + S Estudio de Arquitectura is designed to enhance spatial perception through minimal elements. The primary framework consists of pinewood, forming the structural base. Fiberglass, reinforced with resin, acts as a protective membrane, allowing light to filter through while ensuring durability and weather resistance. The linen, sourced from local production, defines the pavilion’s interior and exterior surfaces. The exterior linen is treated with a black protective coating, while the interior retains its natural finish, emphasizing the contrast between enclosure and interior space. This layered material approach establishes a dialogue between varying textures and transparency, shaping the atmosphere of the pavilion.

Wood and linen reference the architectural and cultural identity of Normandy, particularly the exposed timber-framed ‘colombage’ construction and the region’s linen production. COMPLUVIUM integrates these materials to establish a connection between local building traditions and contemporary spatial experimentation, reinforcing the relationship between architecture, landscape, and memory.

linen-covered pinewood frame forms pyramidal water shelter by p + s in rouen's forest - 2 — COMPLUVIUM by P + S Estudio de Arquitectura highlights Rouen’s climatic conditions through its design

linen-covered pinewood frame forms pyramidal water shelter by p + s in rouen's forest - 3 — a geometric pavilion that contrasts with yet integrates into the natural forested surroundings | image by Linfeng Zhou

linen-covered pinewood frame forms pyramidal water shelter by p + s in rouen's forest - 4 — the pavilion’s central void is defined by a 5 x 5 x 5-meter cubic configuration | image by Javier Callejas

linen-covered pinewood frame forms pyramidal water shelter by p + s in rouen's forest - 5 — pinewood framework forms the structural base, grounding the pavilion in natural materials

linen-covered pinewood frame forms pyramidal water shelter by p + s in rouen's forest - 6 — fiberglass with resin acts as a waterproof yet translucent protective membrane

linen-covered pinewood frame forms pyramidal water shelter by p + s in rouen's forest - 7 — linen and fiberglass skins create a semi-transparent envelope that changes with the light

linen-covered pinewood frame forms pyramidal water shelter by p + s in rouen's forest - 8 — inward-sloping roofs direct rainwater to the center, embracing rather than repelling it

linen-covered pinewood frame forms pyramidal water shelter by p + s in rouen's forest - 9 — locally sourced linen fabric wraps the interior and exterior, referencing Normandy’s heritage

linen-covered pinewood frame forms pyramidal water shelter by p + s in rouen's forest - 10 — black-coated linen on the exterior contrasts with the untreated, natural linen inside

linen-covered pinewood frame forms pyramidal water shelter by p + s in rouen's forest - 11 — the pinewood structural framework stands on timber foundation piles

linen-covered pinewood frame forms pyramidal water shelter by p + s in rouen's forest - 12 — minimal materials maximize the sensory and perceptual experience of the space

compluvium-water-shelter-p-s-rouen-france-designboom-1800-2 — inspired by Normandy’s ‘colombage’ timber-framed houses, the design connects past and present

linen-covered pinewood frame forms pyramidal water shelter by p + s in rouen's forest - 13 — COMPLUVIUM offers a spatial experience, engaging with water, light, and materiality | image by Javier Callejas

compluvium-water-shelter-p-s-rouen-france-designboom-1800-3 — a reflection on architecture’s relationship with climate, memory, and landscape | image by Javier Callejas

project info:

name: COMPLUVIUM. Pavilion Second Edition La Forêt Monumentale (2024-2026)
architects: P + S Estudio de Arquitectura | @paradasalvador_estudioarq

lead architects: Francisco Parada + Laura R. Salvador

location: Rouen, France

photography: P + S Estudio de Arquitectura, Javier Callejas, Linfeng Zhou

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