wooden sliding shutters frame arched openings in spanish renovation by sergi pons studio

Sergi Pons Studio turns historic building in independent houses

Sergi Pons Studio completes Cal Carrera, the renovation of a historic three-story building in Sant Fruitós de Bages, Spain, into four independent residences. The building, located along the river and opening onto an inner courtyard, features a rugged aesthetic shaped by its architectural history and organic growth over time. The design team preserved its original character while incorporating exposed concrete trusses, thick load-bearing walls, and upgraded insulation. These additional elements enhance the strength of the building, thermal efficiency, and visual appeal. While the riverside facade remains intact, the southeast-facing one aims to ensure privacy and climate control, with large arched openings covered by sliding wooden shutters that regulate light and emphasize the unique character of the establishment.

images courtesy of Sergi Pons Studio

the courtyard connects the four spanish Cal Carrera residences

To optimize natural ventilation, Barcelona-based Sergi Pons Studio proceeds with the excavation of the rear courtyard, creating cross-ventilation for the first-floor apartments, and introducing a new, accessible entry point that connects the indoor and outdoor spaces of the Cal Carrera project. The courtyard functions as an entryway and a communal area, providing a shared space for residents to gather and interact. One of the four residences is a duplex reserved for the owners, featuring a ground-level study and guest room that opens directly to the garden. The upper level houses a bedroom, kitchen, and covered terrace, while a pinewood mezzanine accommodates a bathroom and dressing area, maintaining the exposed full height of the ceiling. 

Sergi Pons Studio completes the renovation of a historic three-story building

the building features a rugged aesthetic shaped by its architectural history and organic growth over time

incorporating exposed concrete trusses, thick load-bearing walls, and upgraded insulation

additional elements enhance the strength of the building

the southeast-facing facade aims to ensure privacy and climate control

one of the four residences is a duplex reserved for the owners

a ground-level study and guest room open to the garden

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the upper level houses a bedroom, kitchen, and covered terrace

a pinewood mezzanine accommodates a bathroom and dressing area

sliding wooden shutters that regulate light

the establishment is located along the river

project info:

name: Cal Carrera
architect: Sergi Pons Studio | @sergipons_studio
location: Sant Fruitós de Bages, Spain

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edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom