RAYMAT CASTLE | Francesc Rifé Studio

The neutrality becomes a tool to give new life to the Raymat Castle in Lleida, Spain. With the use of simple and typical materials of our times, the first phase of this 12th-century property renovation has been completed to turn it into a place to host events as well as a retreat for its owners.

In order to improve the narrative of the place and make it a lively and contemporary location, the new design focuses on transforming the different outdoor areas into easy-to-read and multi-purpose spaces. On the one hand, and taking advantage of a plain at the castle’s foot, a new terrace area has been layout in ipe wood and formwork concrete that surrounds an old raft remodeled. This great viewpoint is partially flown thanks to an important structural exercise on the property’s perimeter wall. To contrast with the masonry of the castle, a metal railing runs throughout the new intervention, finally transforming into a minimalist pergola prepared to receive vegetation.

Secondly, almost at the foot of the hill, external concrete stands have been built to allow visitors to enjoy outdoor events. At the same time, a staircase has been designed connecting the two levels of the plot. Executed in black-dyed steel sheet with the particularity of a metallic grating footprint as a solution for the evacuation of water in case of rain. Aesthetically it connects with an old warehouse that has now been turned into the conference and meeting room for Raimat LAB, the innovation and sustainability platform linked to the family foundation. The glass façade is framed and divided into large black steel slats while two doors made of burned pine wood using the Japanese Yakisugi technique are added at its ends. The views created from the inside speak about a very serene atmosphere, as if admiring a landscape painting.

Photography: Javier Márquez

Website: https://www.javiermarquezphoto.com/