Pabellón Rio Blanco

This small summerhouse designed by Carme Pinós Desplat in Guadalajara, Mexico, gives a sense of spaciousness and brightness in a timeless and comfortable interior.

The project consists of a small summerhouse with spectacular views located near an equestrian club.

The client wanted the summerhouse to open to the views and its surroundings, while at the same time providing it with an image of solidity, in harmony with the stone walls which can be found in the area.

Carme Pinós Desplat, Pabellón Rio Blanco. Photo Jordi Bernadó

The building is divided into three units which encompass the rooms demanding greater intimacy: the bathroom, a small bedroom and the kitchen (which opens onto the dining-room). The units are positioned in rotation over the topography – the rotation point being the chimney; their movement flows towards the more open spaces: the dining-room, the living-room and the studio.

Carme Pinós Desplat, Pabellón Rio Blanco. Photo Jordi Bernadó

The structure is composed of wooden beams arranged parallel to the longest part of the house, transforming the roof into a set of coffered ceilings which explain well the rotation of the modules and provide a sense of spaciousness. Although when seen from the exterior the summerhouse may seem dim and small, the effect when inside is quite the opposite – of spaciousness and brightness. The objective was to create timelessness and comfort. Nearly all the furniture has been specially designed for this project.

Carme Pinós Desplat, Pabellón Rio Blanco. Photo Jordi Bernadó
Carme Pinós Desplat, Pabellón Rio Blanco. Photo Jordi Bernadó
Carme Pinós Desplat, Pabellón Rio Blanco. Photo Jordi Bernadó
Carme Pinós Desplat, Pabellón Rio Blanco. Photo Jordi Bernadó
Carme Pinós Desplat, Pabellón Rio Blanco. Photo Jordi Bernadó
Carme Pinós Desplat, Pabellón Rio Blanco. Photo Jordi Bernadó
Carme Pinós Desplat, Pabellón Rio Blanco, maquette
Carme Pinós Desplat, Pabellón Rio Blanco, maquette
Carme Pinós Desplat, Pabellón Rio Blanco, plan
Carme Pinós Desplat, Pabellón Rio Blanco, section
Carme Pinós Desplat, Pabellón Rio Blanco, section
Carme Pinós Desplat, Pabellón Rio Blanco, construction elements


Pabellón Rio Blanco, Guadalajara, Mexico
Program: single-family house
Client: private
Architect: Carme Pinós Desplat
with: Juan-Antonio Andreu, Elsa Marti, Holger Hennefarth
and the collaboration of: Diego Quirarte
Area: 75 sqm
Completion: 2013