“Architecture gains strength and richness only when integration is achieved between the materials used, geometry, and nature.” (Tadao Ando)
The access to the “Costa Ballena” Development has become one of its most emblematic sites, bearing a strong symbolic load, not only for being a representative open space but also for being an obligatory thoroughfare.
We understand the project for the development’s access as another part of its facade, from a global perspective, where the boundary of the development forms a homogeneous whole. This way, the facade can be tackled in sections, allowing for the future creation of other gates or the treatment of a part of the border with a single idea as a guiding thread capable of unifying its image.
The access is materialized by a radial and stepped series of white walls, as if it were the breaking of a rampart, framing the landscape and revealing the element that constitutes the entrance landmark between them. The arrangement of the walls makes the entrance perceived more as a sequence of views along a path, rather than a single, frontal perception.
The elements that make up the entrance refer to the place from which they are extracted; on the one hand, the traditional construction system of white walls, enhanced by the variable color according to the light that falls on them during the day, and softly illuminated at night. On the other hand, the use of native vegetation and, finally, highlighting an ever-present element, such as the wind, through a structure in the form of a weather vane that marks the direction from which it comes. As part of the sign identifying the development, located on one of the white walls, a whale tail made of Corten steel and cast aluminum is incorporated.
The aim is to create space, treating the horizon with a minimum of elements that allow us to frame those parts of the landscape worth enhancing or, conversely, to conceal those that are less so.
To achieve this idea, earthworks, materials, urbanization elements, pavements, landscaping, plantings, and general installations have been exhaustively defined, measured against an initial budget imposed in the contract that must not be exceeded.