Iñaqui Carnicero

Nature Interpretation Center . Ithaca

Iñaqui Carnicero-Alonso . Lorena del Río

The nature interpretation center will be located within the limits of Ithaca, where there’s barely any sign of small constructions on the horizon. This is our focus point. We try to capture distance with our view because it allows us to contemplate the attractive geometry of the ploughed fields, the olive and vine tree plantations and the random encounters with nature. For this reason, our building gets distorted, it turns, it gets fragmented and i trises, as if it were imitating the vine branches, capturing the best shots of the immediate surroundings.

The building is thus integrated in the preexisting plot/site and it conforms to the new silhouette, perceived as Villafranca de los Barros, from a distance. The contour of the building on the ground floor defines and qualifies the exterior spaces. On one hand, the interior patio serves as the heart of the guest house and it is intimately linked to the way it functions. It contains a concentration of the main plant and tree varieties, which purify and refresh the air that circulates through all the guest house rooms by way of crossed ventilation.
The rooms are grouped in small towers on the second and third level of the building, separated from the noise and with additional sight privacy. These towers – of no more than three rooms for each floor are tilted, so they don’t interfere with each other, opening to a wider view, alienating the user from the scenery.
They try to be on best terms with the sun, embracing the morning light and the plantation views, imagined toward the east as well as the noon sun, coming in direct contact with the Villafranca pine woods.This good orientation reduces the energy expenses during the coldest months and accentuates the room comfort. The blinds and other elements---on the outer side of the glass---offer sun protection during the summer months.

Architects: Iñaqui Carnicero-Alonso + Lorena del Río
Technical Architect: Miguel Angel Martín
Clientt: private
Budget: 5.970 286,44 €