white rounded volumes form temporary stay cabins for restaurant expansion in spain

Gramática Arquitectónica designs cabins for El Retiro da Costiña

Architectural studio Gramática Arquitectónica takes over the construction of new units for El Retiro da Costiña, a Michelin-star restaurant in Galicia, Spain. The new model stands as an alternative to eucalyptus monoculture. The project covers land close to the restaurant where deseucalyptization takes place, and native species are planted.

The design follows the concept of permaculture, a system of agricultural design principles established in the 70s that is based on the patterns and characteristics of the natural ecosystem. Deriving from the English contraction of the words permanent and culture, the term refers to agriculture as sustainable permanent processes. Informed by the manners agriculture shapes landscapes and societies, the Retiro da Costiña project implements and organizes temporary stay modules on the plot. The formed cabins resemble rounded ancient bronze age constructions from Galicia and accommodate visitors in the unique landscape.

all images courtesy of Gramática Arquitectónica

rounded modules set a futuristic yet organic atmosphere

The design team initially creates a small perimeter plant wall, as a small border that marks the division of parallel realities. Outside the green wall, the eucalyptus tree remains static with no color changes throughout the year. Within the green wall, the landscape reminisces the everchanging Galician landscape with the native deciduous trees, the flowers, the orchards. The plot internally organizes circles of different sizes which generate infinite routes that curate an informational sequence where visitors can learn about the cultivation processes of the products that will later be served at the Retiro da Costiña.

rounded temporary stay cabins emerge from the Galician landscape

At the top and foot of each of the structures settles a static element, a plinth and a roof, enclosing the main living unit. The lower slab offers a flat plateau and arranges the internal layout with a bedroom, bathroom and a small office with a living room. It also generates an outdoor terrace with a seating area among the flowers. The upper slab acts as a cover from rain and sun, and takes shape as a large circular arcade. The modules stand slightly elevated from the ground letting the wind and small organisms pass below them. The elevation also allows for less interference with the natural runoff from the terrain, while preserving the gentle slope that allows views of the valley. The rounded volumes outline continuous facades that are pierced by large vertical openings.

the formations draw from rounded bronze age Galician constructions

the plot is conceived as a bioclimatic shelter where native trees are planted

the structures forms between a plinth and a roof that enclose the main living unit

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the upper slab acts as a cover from rain and sun and takes shape as a large circular arcade

the lower slab offers a flat plateau that arranges the internal layout and external terrace

the extensive cattle pastures are mixed with the eucalyptus monoculture surrounding the plot

project info:

name: Castro da Costiña Permaculture
architect: Gramática Arquitectónica | @gramatica_arquitectonica

location: Santa Comba, Galicia, Spain

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom