SIX MAJESTIC GAUSSIAN VOLUMES
AGUASBLANQUILLAS SALON. Torreperogil, Jaén.
Brothers Miquel Àngel and Carlos Díaz, owners of the Aguasblanquillas restaurant complex in Torreperogil, Jaén, never imagined that their 3 white summer tents would become six majestic Gaussian vaults of 100,000 mechanized ceramic bricks that now adorn their complex, and that merge the charm of the past with current demands for lighting, aesthetics and thermal comfort.
At the heart of this project is the reinterpretation of the Catalan vault, a traditional technique brought to the forefront by the Bangolo studio.
The Catalan vault is a type of architectural structure that is built using bricks, arranged in a way that forms a series of arches to create a vault.
This technique has been used for centuries in the construction of roofs and roofs in historic buildings and traditional architecture in various parts of the world. The bricks are placed so that they rest on top of each other in a staggered manner, creating a solid, self-supporting structure. This arrangement allows the weight to be distributed evenly throughout the vault, providing structural stability.
The Catalan vault is especially useful in the construction of roofs and vaults where an economical and relatively simple technique is required, but which is also resistant and durable.
Bangolo decides to take this approach for the project because he not only seeks economic efficiency, but also honors local tradition and highlights the skill of the artisans involved.
The result was six majestic Gaussian vaults that now adorn the complex, offering soft natural lighting, elegant aesthetics and exceptional thermal comfort throughout the year, which were the 3 essential requirements of the client.
The process: respect for tradition and artisanal excellence.
The process was a dance of mastery and knowledge, with masons, architects and artisans working to bring this vision to life.
In addition, a water collection system was implemented, where water is captured and gradually released through the perimeter drainage of the garden’s dry stone. The drains, designed as gargoyles, not only fulfill a practical function, but also add an aesthetic and elegant touch that allows visitors to enjoy how the water flows.
But beyond physical beauty, this project embodies intangible values that make it truly special to our studio. By reinforcing local identity and sharing authorship with the community of artisans, a lasting bond has been forged between the building and those who built it.
It is also a testament to human collaboration and creativity at its highest expression, from the first brick to the last brushstroke of light.
