In a remarkable fusion of old and new, H Arquitectes has revitalized the crumbling remains of a historic farmhouse in Pals, Girona. Casa 1627, nestled in the agricultural heart of Baix Empordà, reinterprets the charm of vernacular architecture while incorporating contemporary elements. This Spanish home’s transformation is a testament to the delicate balance between preservation and innovation.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Location: Pals, Girona, Spain
Architecture: H Arquitectes
Photography: Adrià Goula
Once a neglected structure with two standing cyclopean masonry walls and large buttresses, Mas Geli farmhouse has been brought back to life with new features that harmonize with its historic foundations. The project celebrates the natural landscape while carefully preserving the building’s heritage. “The project aims to be coherent with the context,” the architects noted, emphasizing their focus on blending the new farmhouse with the surrounding landscape of agricultural fields and ancestral homes.
The northern and eastern walls, composed of original stonework, remain largely intact, standing as a testament to the historical essence of the farmhouse. These were carefully rehabilitated, with new, enlarged openings framed in concrete. This deliberate contrast between old and new creates a striking visual dynamic, paying homage to the past while embracing the present.
H Arquitectes designed the new reinforced concrete walls to the south and west, where little of the original structure remained. These new walls mimic the texture and color of the original farmhouse, with stones sourced directly from the ruins. The integration of modern concrete alongside the ancient stonework provides a seamless transition between the building’s historical and contemporary elements.
At the heart of Casa 1627 is its southwestern corner, which houses a spacious, double-height kitchen and dining area. This open space flows out onto a porch, covered by a large concrete canopy, creating a seamless connection between the interior and exterior. The porch serves as an extension of the farmhouse’s living areas, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards and distant Medes islands.
The ground floor also features living spaces and a study arranged in an L-shape around the dining area. Bedrooms occupy the first floor, all designed to offer unobstructed views of the landscape, allowing natural light and scenery to become an integral part of the home’s ambiance.
The internal structure of Casa 1627 is characterized by the interplay between the preserved stone walls and the newly poured concrete surfaces. The combination of these materials creates a beautiful contrast, allowing the farmhouse’s history to shine through while integrating modern touches.
The exposed timber structure supporting the new tiled roof restores the original height of the farmhouse, adding a light, airy feel to the interiors. This roof, along with the careful placement of concrete walls and openings, reinforces the connection between the home and its natural surroundings.
Casa 1627’s design is not just about preserving the past but also about creating a space that reflects the needs of contemporary life. The porch, designed as a transition space, links the farmhouse to the nearby vineyards and the larger landscape, acting as both a social and functional extension of the home. “To the west, it connects the house with the vineyards, with Pals as a backdrop,” H Arquitectes explained, emphasizing how the design integrates daily life with the land.
The project is an example of thoughtful restoration that respects the building’s heritage while adapting to modern sensibilities. By blending rustic charm with contemporary design, H Arquitectes has crafted a home that is as functional as it is beautiful.
The transformation of Casa 1627 is part of a broader movement in architecture that values the restoration of historical structures. Other notable examples include Studio Guma’s conversion of a stone structure in Normandy and Pilar García-Nieto’s transformation of a 500-year-old residence in Mallorca into a boutique hotel.
Through these projects, architects demonstrate that the past can live harmoniously with the present, creating spaces that celebrate history while meeting modern needs.
