Takamura Kōji / Ines / Steve, texts – edited by: christina vergopoulou | via designboom


Images of the exterior – clad in stone composite panels, where natural veneers bond to high-performance aluminium honeycomb cores, achieving monumental scale while ensuring a luminous, breathable shell that evokes suspension and timelessness.
The Cathedral of Eternal Roots, designed by GemStones Architecture & Design under the direction of Ines J. Pedras, is a contemporary sacred architecture proposal located within a national park in the Guadarrama Mountains of central Spain. Conceived as a sculptural landmark embedded in the landscape, the project explores how Gothic spatial principles can be reinterpreted through organic geometry, advanced construction systems, and a strong relationship to site.
The Cathedral of Eternal Roots is organized as a continuous spatial ascent, guiding visitors from the ground toward elevated interior spaces. Its form emerges from the terrain as a mineral-like structure, positioning the building as an extension of the surrounding geology rather than an isolated object. The design aims to establish a place for pause and reflection through material presence, scale, and controlled movement. The cathedral’s exterior envelope is constructed using ultra-light stone composite panels. These panels combine thin natural stone veneers with aluminum honeycomb cores, enabling large spans and vertical height while reducing structural weight. The system allows the building to maintain a luminous and permeable appearance, balancing mass with visual lightness.
Takamura Kōji / Ines / Steve, texts – edited by: christina vergopoulou | via designboom
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