meritxell inaraja restores medieval 'castell de la tossa' to celebrate ancient stonework

architecture studio meritxell inaraja presents the renovated ‘castell de la tossa’ among the mountainous landscape of catalonia. the historic stonework dates back to the 12th century and overlooks the region of montbui from the queralt mountain range, 620 meters (2,034 feet) above sea level. with respect for the great historical value of the middle ages-era structure, the design team works to preserve the original atmosphere and image of the castle. the project does not seek to present a transformation, but instead seeks to celebrate the original experience that was long out of reach due to its derelict, deteriorated condition.

all images by adrià goula

meritxell inaraja celebrates the historic stonework of the ‘castell de la tossa’, with its heavy wall thickness and ruinous, uneven condition. the castle tower is rectangular in plan, measuring 9.5 meters (31 feet) in width and 14.5 meters (48 feet) in length. built for the purposes of military defense, the rounded tower walls are built with a thickness of nearly seven feet. the team at meritxell inaraja introduces a contemporary stairway in rough concrete which offers vertical circulation through the open-air space. the stair terminates with a landing expressed in light metal framework, designed so as not to interrupt the atmosphere of the original medieval architecture.

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project info:

project title: restauració del castell de la tossa de montbu

architecture: meritxell inaraja

location: santa margarida de montbui, anoia, barcelona, catalonia

construction: francesc xavier vall construccions

structure: eskubi-turró arquitectes

technical architecture: antoni rodon

architecture partners: laura bigas montaner, amàlia casals gi

owner, developer: fundació la tossa de montbui 

program: castle tower, viewpoint

completion: may 2020

photography: adrià goula