Mas Estela Apartments | Rai Pinto Studio

Mas Estela is an old farmhouse situated within the Cap de Creus natural park in the Empordà region, with documents referencing this property dating back to the 10th century. Currently, it is managed by a family that has been producing organic and biodynamic wine since 1989. 

The task was to design two complete apartments within two existing double-height, nearly symmetrical spaces inside the farmhouse. Each of these spaces had only about 20 square meters (220 sq ft) of floor area, and the program included a small kitchen, a bathroom, a double bed, and a living area. The developers allocated a portion of the land surrounding the farmhouse to each apartment, providing additional space to enjoy the outdoors. 

To preserve the old winery, the original space was left untouched. Instead, a box was designed to contain the entire program: the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. This box was painted red on the wooden panels to highlight the grain, referencing the wooden barrels stained by the winemaking process. Similarly, another box was designed outside, consisting of a pergola and built-in furniture, allowing for the enjoyment of the open air and the surroundings. 

Photography: Pol Viladoms (https://polviladoms.com/)