Location: Celaya, Guanajuato, Mexico Year of construction: 1994 Architects: Alfonso Lopez Ваг. Javier Calleja Arifio Associates: Guillermo Flores. Octavio Cardoza, Arturo Hcnunulez (structure)
Photography: Fernando Cordero
This elegant pavilion stands on a gentle slope in the middle of the landscaped plain of the San Rafael ranch, on the outskirts of the town of Celaya. The ranch is an equestrian center, with jumping course and indoor and outdoor schools, as well as stables for 30 horses.
The pavilion visually dominates the main jumping course, close to an area densely covered by age-old trees, and at first sight seems to be a metaphor for the white poles that divide the fields and stand out in sharp contrast to the green farmland.
The layout consists of two sections or pavilions, joined yet separated at the same time by a smooth stretch of water that meets both practical and esthetic requirements, sending out multiple reflections while increasing the humidity and the feeling of coolness in a dry climate where temperatures often reach I04°F (40°C).
The pavilions are joined by walkways of natural wood. These cross the water and their arched roofs rise to a considerable height in the central part, without sacrificing the domestic character of the layout.
The two pavilions are completely independent. At the front of them only walls, staff quarters, and chimneys are to be seen. Although the two buildings have extremely large windows, in both cases these are incorporated in the facades overlooking the equestrian schools, in an east – west direction.
The vaulted roof is completely smooth, without light sources or ventilation grilles. All the closets are built into the walls, so that the room remains uncluttered, containing only tables and chairs. The glass panels merge into each other without any intermediate frameworks. Access is through a single door located in one corner.