Gaudí Confirmed as Architect of Xalet del Catllaràs
A rare work outside Barcelona highlights his creative reach.
Summary
- The Government of Catalonia confirms Antoni Gaudí as the architect of Xalet del Catllaràs
- Originally housing mining engineers, the chalet now stands as a rare Gaudí work outside Barcelona, blending utility with modernist artistry
The Xalet del Catllaràs, a mountain refuge nestled in the Pyrenean foothills of Catalonia, has recently captured global headlines following definitive confirmation by the Government of Catalonia, announcing Antoni Gaudí‘s authorship of the site.
Originally constructed in 1905 to house engineers working for the Asland cement factory, the building had long been subject to scholarly debate regarding its origin. Architecturally, the chalet reflects Gaudí’s modernist experimentation in a rural context. The building features a pointed arch structure with six apartments distributed across three floors, a chimney rising from the roof, and a distinctive spiral staircase projecting from the façade. These elements combine functional housing with Gaudí’s signature sculptural approach, blending practicality with expressive form. The design coincided with his work on Casa Batlló and Park Güell, underscoring the breadth of his creative output during the early 20th century.
Recent studies and restoration projects have highlighted the chalet’s historical significance, situating it within Gaudí’s broader legacy of adapting architecture to its environment. Commissioned to serve industrial needs yet imbued with artistic detail, the Xalet del Catllaràs exemplifies Gaudí’s ability to merge utility with visionary design.
Today, though no longer in use, it stands as a rare example of his work outside Barcelona, offering insight into how his architectural language extended beyond urban landmarks to embrace the landscapes and industries of Catalonia.
