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completed

june 2011

responsibility

architecture

programme

250 sqm covered area

location

la bisbal, girona, spain

Castell D’Empordà, a historic 14th-century castle perched on a hill near La Bisbal, carries centuries of rich heritage. Transformed into a boutique hotel, the property required a signature covering for its main terrace: an adaptable space offering complete shelter from wind and rain without losing the open, unobstructed connection to the surrounding countryside.
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Girona 17 1

the challenge

Adding a traditional glass extension or winter garden threatened to disrupt the integrity of the listed ancient structure. The goal was to design a weather-responsive enclosure that felt distinct, temporary, and light—preserving the essential feeling of dining outdoors while treating the original castle with absolute respect.

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Girona 10 1
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12 abstract parasols

Instead of constructing a heavy building extension, the design introduces a canopy composed of 12 abstract parasols of varying diameters.

Where the circles touch, they seamlessly merge; where they part, sky-lit glass cutouts fill the gaps, creating an organic canopy that feels like a natural pavilion rather than a permanent room.

The outer top and rim feature rusted steel, echoing the warm, weathered hues of the castle stone and local landscape. Beneath, white-painted steel columns and ceilings reflect light, creating a bright, breezy atmosphere under the canopy.

Integrated transparent sliding curtains remain open during pleasant weather. When sudden Mistral winds or rain arrive, the entire terrace can be fully enclosed within minutes without compromising the view.

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05 detail terrace covering
072 Foto Robert Aarts May 2012
073 Foto Robert Aarts May 2012

facts & figures

250 sqm covered area
terrace covering for 200 people

concrete

responsibility architecture
team erikjan vermeulen, rob wagemans, melanie knuewer, cindy wouters

partners & collaborators

client albert diks, margo vereijken, castell d’emporda
local executive architect figa arquitectos, girona
structural advice bellapart construction, olot
groundwork, ceilingwork and electrical burgos gasull, la bisbal
bar, loungeseating and tables roord binnenbouw, amsterdam
chairs academia, italy
lighting modular
photography ewout huibers, robert aarts, corinne moffat, castell d'emporda

press

"... flattened parasols of rusted steel to shelter the terraced restaurant outside a historic castle" - dezeen

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