H Stern Pavilion | Ottavio Di Blasi

With temporary architecture, the aim is always to reconcile the emotion of architecture with the identity of the brand: in this case it was the expo pavilion of the world-renowned Brazilian jewellery makers H Stern. The construction is two storeys high, and it is composed of two juxtaposed and independent parts: a powerful central body made out of cherry wood on one hand; and a glass, wood and steel precious screen on the other. These two elements communicate a sense of strength and solidity, and a sense of lightness and whimsy. The essence of the brand is reflected in the dual spirit of the design. The cherry wood shell is cut open sharply, much like a machete would slice open a coconut, exposing the precious white pulp. Though the shell looks simple and essential, it is obtained using an extremely delicate and refined milling technique. It is then veneered with thin dual-curved panels of cherry wood. The façade is composed of thin cherry wood plates, which make the front part of the stand feel like an almost transparent filter between the inner part and the outside space. The screen is composed of 145 cherry wood dual-curved plates. The dynamic relation between the elements of the design and the overall effect of lightness is achieved through the use of vertical glass support structures for the wooden plates. On the inside of the stand, both floor and walls are finished in extra-white glass, creating a refined yet welcoming atmosphere.