Guest pavilions in Olot

The assignment was nothing out of the ordinary: a restaurant owner in Olot, Catalonia, wanted to offer his guests a place to stay for the night. The accommodation was to be modern, yet also provide a place for contemplation and reflection. After following a screen of artificial reeds (formed by a series of green-painted steel sections), guests come to a metal walkway flanked by shimmering green, opaque-glass louvres that allow no view through them. At this point, it is still not -apparent that one is standing outside the fronts of the five guest pavilions with their small internal courtyards. The layout reflects the structure of the former vegetable gardens of the farmstead on this site which were di-vided by walls into a strip-like form. As soon as one passes through the screen of glass louvres, the spatial confines seem to dissolve: one is surrounded by green glass. All surfaces reflect the light, and guests have the impression that there is a flow of lava beneath the transparent floor – a reference to the volcanic origins of this region. The boundaries between external and internal space are blurred, and there is a disturbing sensation of being “outside”. There is only one item of furniture in the room: a flattish square object that serves as a bed, sofa and table, according to needs. There are no televisions or electrical sockets, no chairs or cupboards – nothing that might disturb the contemplative, mystical atmosphere. Guests do not have to forgo the comfort they expect, however. Concealed blinds provide protection against direct sunlight, while air conditioning meets peak needs in summer. Discreetly located in the small hall are a minibar and surfaces on which items can be placed. The “bathroom” has further surprises in store: at first sight, it seems to be an empty space. Areas of water are scarcely distinguishable from the glass surfaces. The washbasin has no fittings; like the bath, it is constantly filled with water, which is changed by a sensor as soon as it is used. The inbuilt elements were designed by the architects themselves and accentuate the sense of detachment felt in this environment, where guests can enjoy a night of timeless peace and contemplation.