As we ride on the back roads around Girona, Spain, we have become fixated on a common architectural form. This is the long, soft, low gable that we see in the photos above. This is used as a house, a barn, a workshop, and sometimes multiple functions are contained within this simple and elegant form.
Typically, the walls are stone, and the roof is tile. What gives the incredible softness to the forms is the playful manner the geometry is subtly manipulated:
-the two end walls are typically not the same height.
-the gable ridge is usually not in the center
-windows and doors are never placed symmetrically
Just as interesting is the many ways that this form has been modified and adapted. Stunningly, a large archway on the side allows for more utilitarian uses, as seen in the photo top right. When smaller additions are added, an entire universe of architectural expression becomes possible. The lower right photo shows buttresses on the exterior walls. And sometimes the form is assembled out of steel and concrete, as can be seen in the middle right photo.
We can’t imagine seeing this spectacular landscape without doing it on bikes. There is one unbelievable visual experience after the next. Many photos are snapped from the moving bike. Despite our self navigation with GPS, getting somewhat lost, which has happened more than once, only adds to the wonder of what we will see next.