thin stone carves sculptural cathedral emerging from spanish mountains

"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 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."

The Cathedral of Eternal Roots sits within a national park in the Guadarrama Mountains of central Spain as a sculptural landmark embedded in the landscape. The design reinterprets Gothic spatial principles through organic geometry and root-inspired forms. The plan organizes a continuous spatial ascent, with a central helical staircase of double-logarithmic geometry linking lower levels to upper vaults. The exterior uses ultra-light stone composite panels combining thin natural stone veneers and aluminum honeycomb cores to enable large spans, vertical height, and reduced structural weight. The envelope maintains luminosity and permeability, balancing mass with visual lightness. Light shapes the interior atmosphere, and controlled movement fosters pause and reflection.

Read at designboom | architecture & design magazine