Architect Philipp Bretschneider has perched a garden viewpoint on a picturesque Mallorcan hillside, using the steel structure to frame views across the Mediterranean Sea (+ slideshow).

The German architect, who is part of Munich-based collective H5 Architekten, was asked to create the small garden pavilion in the grounds of a family home on the Spanish island.

"The clients are a big family who wanted to have a small retreat where one could withdraw from the main house ? a place to relax and enjoy the surrounding nature and the beautiful ocean view," Bretschneider told Dezeen.

Due to the picturesque setting, Bretschneider decided that the structure should be as minimal as possible so as not to distract from the surroundings. To achieve this, he designed a floor and ceiling supported by a thin upright structure.
The architect had originally planned to use concrete and wood, but eventually went for steel to make the structure "more delicate". The two horizontal surfaces create a sandwich, framing views of the distant horizon.

"I knew from the very beginning that it was important to find a simple and clear design so that the thoughts wouldn't be distracted by the architecture," said the architect. "Nevertheless the design should be modern and form a contrast to the surrounding setting."

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To make the most of the viewpoint, Bretschneider c...