Cal Carrera | sergi pons studio

4 apartments in Sant Fruitós de Bages. Sant Fruitós de Bages / Spain / 2024

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The building in Sant Fruitós de Bages, owned by the Carrera family, overlooks the river and it opens onto an inner courtyard, surrounded by other buildings, forming a small open space.


Its appearance is rugged; the result of accumulation of heritage over time. With previous improvisation which add new elememts of geometry- resultt of layerimg over the years. This layering reveals the history of a building that has evolved organically, responding to the needs of its previous occupants.


The three-story building anchors itself to the river, surrounded by orchards with the view of the historic town center which dates back to the 10th century. The current owner aimed to transform the structure into four independent residences- adapting to contemporary needs yet preserving the essence of its original configuration.


The project began with the excavation of the rear courtyard, allowing the two apartments on the first floor to benefit from natural cross-ventilation from the river. This excavation also created a new entrance for the courtyard- connecting the apartments to the outdoors and a decorated gathered space for residents.


One of the four residences will be a duplex reserved for the owners. The unit on the ground floor, adjacent to the garden includes a study and guest room that open directly to the exterior. On the second level, the open area contains a bedroom and a kitchen-connected to a covered terrace. A mezzanine built by pinewood, houses the bathroom and dressing room, leaving the full height of the exposed ceiling.


The other three residences are designed with aligned living, kitchen, and dining areas to promote cross ventilation. Each unit includes an outdoor terrace within its space which also serves as a laundry area.


The original concrete trusses which support the roof are left exposed, emphasizing the building’s solidity and adding a strong visual character. The thick load-bearing walls contribute to the structure’s thermal mass, with a layer of insulation added to the new courtyard- ensurimg comfort and energy efficiency.


The new southeast-facing façade is designed to provide privacy and heat protection. Openings are concealed by sliding wooden shutters, The large openings are defined by arches, and when the shutters are closed, the arches become the distinctive features of each unit.which regulate light entry while protecting the interior spaces. The façade is brilliantly designed around four covered terraces with each individual residence.


Finally, the robust space facing the river remains intact, respecting its character and connection to nature & landscape.


The project aims to bring coherence to an architectural ensemble that had lost unity due to its organic growth over time. The well-oriented, sunny courtyard adds as a new space and provide access to the residences for recreational use with each new apartments enjoy better light ventilation, increased privacy, and optimized accesses to private áreas.

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    The building in Sant Fruitós de Bages, owned by the Carrera family, overlooks the river and it opens onto an inner courtyard, surrounded by other buildings, forming a small open space. Its appearance is rugged; the result of accumulation of heritage over time. With previous improvisation which add new elememts of geometry- resultt of layerimg over the years. This layering reveals the history of a building that has evolved organically, responding to the needs of its previous...

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