Location: Non de Gaia, Tarragona, Spain Year of construction: 1993 Architects: Pepita Teixidor у Xavier Sust Associates: Nicole Grumser у Silvia Alvarez;
Inmaculada Casado {master builder): Ferran Bermejo (structure):
Construcciones Serramia (builder) Photography: Lint’s Casals
One of the main objectives of this construction was to capture light and air from the outside in those parts of the house shaded by the mountain. The roof was the ideal flat area on which to locate the largest window in the house in order to achieve this.
The building was a nicely situated property in the center of a small town near Tarragona, consisting of two floors, one circular and facing south with extensive views over the town, the fields, and, in the distance, the sea.
The interior space was laid out on a fairly open plan, with only the kitchen and bathroom partitioned off. It incorporated an interior patio that, together with the staircase, allowed light
Right-hand page: Entrance from the yard to the library.
from the skylight to reach the first floor. The latter is a mixture of a light source and architecture: achieved by extending one slope of the roof, it provides lighting for the dual-level staircase, and, through a transparent false ceiling, the washroom on the second floor.
Outside elements such as the staircase arch and the crenellations around the edge of the plot were restored. One significant aspect is a dual exterior staircase allowing access to the second floor, forming an arch over the main entrance on the first floor.
The austere combination was sufficiently attractive to make maintaining the external appearance as far as possible the aim of the renovations, without this adversely affecting the project. One of the main objectives was to capture light and air from the outside in those areas that were screened by the mountain, without this having too much effect on the walls, made of a mixture of clay and rubble, whose vulnerable condition suggested that it was possible they might collapse.
Left-hand page:
View showing the contrast between the modem materials and colors and what is left of the original spaces.
The skylight illuminates the doubleheight staircase.
The kitchen had to be small, although well-equipped.
The staircase is located in the open space of the living room area, with its wooden ceiling. The blue of the walls stands out: a contribution from the owner, who put his own definitive personal stamp on the house.
The first floor comprises the main entrance, the dining room/living room, library, kitchen, and a washroom. On the second floor are the large master bedroom, two dens, the dressing room, and the bathroom. The floors are of stone and ceramic tiles on the first floor and parquet on the second.