


The transformation of the site:
1 – The virgin landscape slopes into the mediterranean sea and is covered with a lush layer of plants.
2 – A quarry-like site was inherited: the excavation was based on the previous architectural scheme by a local architect.
3 – The building, a sculptural spiral form, is inserted and connects the different levels of the existing quarry from the upper point of arrival to the pool at the lower end.
4 – Existing plateaux and the roof of the spiral are turned into usable outdoor space, and connect back to the existing landscape at various points.
5 – The mountain is conceptually ‘re-created’. Planting is introduced following the original topographical lines of the site, with strategic views out. The growth of the planted layer slowly envelopes the built form,
creating a secret sculpted cave of filtered sunlight, kept cool against the grand vertical cliff face.







The spiral is a terrazzo gradient which begins as a pure white, blank canvas in the sculptor’s studio at the start of the route, and which gradually transforms as the building unfolds, developing into a richly gleaming underwater artwork. The spiral is the core spatial strategy of the building and unites the architecture and the landscape in a seamless union. The private spaces are contained within the spiral. The public spaces are without, but are defined by this scuptural object; the public spaces are those beneath it, and between the spiral and rockface.

PROJECT TEAM
Architects – Skene Catling de la Peña & FAR Frohn & Rojas: Charlotte Skene Catling, Jaime de la Peña, Marc Frohn, Mario Rojas Toledo, Max Koch, Samuel Chisholm, Oliver Claussen, Theodora Bowering, Roo Humpherson, Danielle Rosman, Isabel Chua, Ruta Jakstaite, Lukas Mersch, Massimo Sean Pepe, Ulrike Stier, David Wischniewski, Steven Vidovic, Katharina Laekam
Collaborators & Consultants: Price & Meyers, Downie Consultants, Fernando Purroy, 3E Engineers, Christopher Knowlton Lighting