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Spanish pool house by Baldo Arquitectura in Cantabria

Baldó Arquitectura references Japanese design for Spanish pool house

Bamboo and an overhanging roof characterise Godai Pavilion, a pool house that Spanish studio Baldó Arquitectura has created for a home in rural Cantabria.

Located in northern Spain, the outbuilding is designed in line with the local climate and aims to showcase natural materials and Japanese design details.

Glazed facade of Spanish pool house by Baldo Arquitectura
Baldó Arquitectura referenced Japanese design for this Spanish pool house

Baldó Arquitectura positioned the pool house to the south of the site, creating an enclosed courtyard garden with the existing buildings on the plot.

"The pavilion [creates] a dialogue between different architectures, with the pool as a central element and a link between the existing home and the new pavilion," the studio told Dezeen.

Pool and overhanging roof of the Spanish pool house
It features an overhanging roof

Both the name and design of the project draw on the Japanese philosophy of godai, which centres on the five fundamental elements – earth, water, fire, wind, and space.

This concept unfolds through the structure's large, protective roof and the transparency of the facades, which frame the surrounding landscape.

Overhanging roof and facade of the Spanish pool house by Baldó Arquitectura in Cantabria
The glazed facades frame the surrounding landscape

Godai Pavilion's facades transition from solid to void and are decorated with bamboo slats. According to the studio, the slats are modelled on the Fibonacci sequence and help provide privacy and controlled natural lighting.

Bamboo is also used inside the pavilion, aiming to evoke Japanese-style tatami rooms. Meanwhile, the ceilings are intended to echo the art of origami.

Inside, a triple-aspect living space opens out onto a timber deck where steps lead down to the pool.

As well as having bamboo on its internal and external facades, the pavilion integrates cork and mineral rock wool insulation, local pine, and recycled oriented strand board (OSB) panels into its construction.

Bamboo interior of the Spanish pool house by Baldó Arquitectura in Cantabria
Bamboo is used inside the pool house to evoke Japanese-style tatami rooms

Baldó Arquitectura also incorporated passive design systems for solar and rain protection, such as the large roof which provides shade and reduces solar gain.

"The local climate takes on a fundamental value, where strong winds, rain and summer sun become protagonists," explained the studio.

Interior and ceilings of a Spanish pool house in Cantabria
The bamboo ceilings are intended to echo the art of origami

Baldó Arquitectura was founded by José Baldó Sierra and has studios in both Asturias and Madrid.

Other pool houses recently featured on Dezeen include Refuge by NWLND Rogiers Vandeputte and a geometric structure by Surman Weston. These are both featured in our roundup of tranquil pool houses that add luxury to gardens.

The photography is by Luis Asín

More images and plans

Site Plan of Spanish pool house by Baldo Arquitectura in Cantabria
Site plan
Ground floor of Spanish pool house by Baldo Arquitectura in Cantabria
Ground floor
Sections of the Spanish pool house by Baldo Arquitectura in Cantabria
Sections
Spanish pool house by Baldo Arquitectura in Cantabria
Spanish pool house by Baldo Arquitectura in Cantabria
Spanish pool house by Baldo Arquitectura in Cantabria
Spanish pool house by Baldo Arquitectura in Cantabria
Spanish pool house by Baldo Arquitectura in Cantabria
Spanish pool house by Baldo Arquitectura in Cantabria