In the forests of Gipuzkoa, a small hut with big ambitions

Architecture, Initiatives, Nafarroa, Today

Text: Christine Holmes Photos: Biderbost Photo

The architects at Babelstudio in Bilbao have spearheaded an ambitious renovation project in the heart of the Sierra de Aralar, transforming a 20m2 tool shed into a cosy pied-à-terre.

Bringing some great ideas to life in a (very) small space: is this the architecture of the future?

In recent years, images of small huts in the middle of nature have invaded social networks, blogs and magazines. In a world teeming with information, people and pressure, the need for nature has, for many, become insatiable. This is what brought a creative couple from Bilbao to the offices of Andrea García, Michael Schmidt and Andrea Emmanuel, founders of the architectural firm Babelstudio.

Owners of a tool shed nestling in a wood in the Sierra de Aralar, on the edge of Gipuzkoa, they aspired to turn it into a place where they could enjoy a well-deserved weekend break, where they could do odd jobs, rest after a hike and even spend the night. The cottage designed by Babelstudio reveals all the ingenuity required in the architecture of small spaces.

“The professionals at Babelstudio therefore had to ensure that no unusable spaces were created, that every square metre was optimised.”

An optimised space that preserves the heart and soul of a cabin from yesteryear.
“The hut was in a serious state of deterioration,” explain the architects. “The structure had stability issues and the building’s envelope was neither insulated nor weatherproof.” In order to comply with current standards, they had to rethink the materials and structure of the cabin, while retaining its original shape and volume in the aim of creating a habitable cabin of 20 m2, no more, no less. The challenge was an appealing one: at a time when space and budgets are increasingly limited, the architecture of small buildings is the one that gives the greatest freedom to inventiveness and creativity.

The professionals at Babelstudio therefore had to ensure that no unusable spaces were created, that every square metre was optimised. This resulted in two spaces of equivalent size: the first, a cosy living room/bedroom around a stove, with large bay windows offering a glimpse of the surrounding greenery. The second has a small dry toilet and a carpentry workshop that literally opens onto the forest, thanks to a large door that takes up the entire facade.

A project that blends into its environment
Another architectural challenge that is equally in tune with the times is renovation with the greatest respect for nature. To achieve this, the creative minds at Babelstudio chose to use local pine for the floors, beams and interior and exterior walls. The roof is made of corrugated iron. A “raw” look that is nevertheless jazzed up by the black paint on the entire exterior of the cabin, which gives the impression of both a contrast and a fusion with the surrounding nature.

With this mini-cabin in the forest of Gipuzkoa, Babelstudio responds to our growing need not just to do well, but to do even better. Is the future small?

PALMADERA

Architecture, Design, Nafarroa, Objects

Text: Naia Zubeldia / Photos: Mito

In 1962, Palmadera set up in Bera/Vera de Bidasoa, Navarre, bringing with it an innovative German technique: the manufacture of moulded plywood objects.

The products, made from sheets of beechwood impregnated with phenolic resin and compressed under high pressure, quickly gained popularity. The robustness and versatility of these materials made them indispensable in many settings: from school furniture to hotel trays.

Continuous improvement
In the 1990s, Palmadera modernised its processes by introducing Kraft paper in the middle layers and improving the finishes with oak veneer. This material, which is both aesthetic and practical, became a standard in the hotel sector. In 2005, in partnership with Zoocreative the design studio, Palmadera launched an award-winning collection of dishes and trays, winning over prestigious brands, such as Starbucks, McDonald’s and Zara Home, in search of personalised designs.

Architecture as a new horizon
The compression technology developed by Palmadera took on a new dimension in 1992, when wooden panels were used to clad pavilions at the Universal Expo in Seville. This success propelled the company into the architectural sector. The Palmadera Group, represented by its sister brand Parklex, develops laminated wood panels capable of withstanding the most extreme weather conditions.

University of Washington
Architect: Perkins + Will

Hall of Waterfront City – Chongqing
Architect: Shangai Tianhua

5 St Paul’s Square Liverpool
Architect: RHWL

“With 130 employees and a worldwide presence, Palmadera and Parklex are now key players in industrial design and architecture”

An innovation for architects
Parklex panels are becoming the preferred choice for demanding architectural projects. They can be used to create ventilated façades, curved walls, railings, false ceilings and ultra-resistant floors. Their versatility encourages architects to push the boundaries of creativity.

Prestigious projects around the world
Parklex laminated panels clad the walls of iconic buildings:
• Frank Gehry’s Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao.
• Ricardo Bofill’s W Barcelona Hôtel.
• Jean Nouvel’s suites at Hôtel Silken Puerta América in Madrid.
• Christian de Portzamparc’s Hôtel de Région Rhône-Alpes.

They can also be found in international projects such as:
• 5 St Paul’s Square, Liverpool.
• Washington University in Seattle.
• Woodview Mews in Croydon.
• Hall of Waterfront City in Chongqing.
• Fast Lane Center in Tel Aviv.

A high-growth company
With 130 employees and a worldwide presence, Palmadera and Parklex are now key players in industrial design and architecture, combining tradition and innovation.

The Hemendik book: The History of 50 Iconic Objects from the Basque Country