This old hydraulic mill stands on a 3,000 m² plot surrounded by vineyards. The disused mill, located along the Lloá road bordering the Montsant River in Catalonia (Spain), was transformed by our studio into a contemporary 200 m² home.
Since the building was classified with BCIL protection status (Cultural Asset of Local Interest), estudio vilablanch faced the challenge of conserving and restoring the cataloged elements that made up the project, which consisted of two constructions from different periods:
• 16th Century. This period saw the construction of the building that housed the hydraulic mill (initially used for paper production and later for oil) and the family's residence working at the mill.
• 19th Century. During this century, an octagonal Mudejar-style tower was built to supply water to the mill. The building also had two large terraces and a green area providing access to the plot.
Understanding the project's past was essential when carrying out a respectful restoration that blended into the local landscape. Therefore, before beginning the work, we conducted thorough research and, externally, preserved the architecture. The interior was restored by recovering original elements, and the volume was expanded by hollowing out the old water channel of the mill.
After over three years of work, our studio also achieved another major challenge: internally connecting all the buildings, as the original mill residence had no direct access to the tower from the inside. Since the project did not allow for any exterior volume increases or additions, any expansion or connection had to be done internally.
A vertical tunnel and a small horizontal section were excavated, following the old water channel that once served for water flow, to connect all the buildings. Inside this tunnel, we installed a large spiral staircase that now links the entire building providing direct access to the tower. This created a fluid and interconnected layout:
• On the ground floor, we designed a bedroom (located in the old grinding room), a living room, and a small kitchen. This floor is now equipped for people with reduced mobility.
• The first floor is dedicated to the sleeping area, with a master bedroom and ensuite bathroom, a second bedroom, and another bathroom. At the same time, a multipurpose room is now located in the attic.
• Throughout the tower, we integrated a spacious kitchen connected to the living room, located in the former lookout with wonderful views of the village.
Thanks to this layout, we managed to design a home that meets all the comforts of a 21st-century home. The rehabilitation was carried out with a focus on reducing the ecological footprint, using only 100% manual techniques (no machinery was involved) and natural materials. Moreover, we sought to maximize natural resources through solutions such as solar panels for energy self-sufficiency, underground water for domestic use, and natural climate control via a Canadian well system.
The Mill
Estudio Vilablanch
Silver
Silver
Honourable Mention

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alberto caiola
Design Director
at Alberto Caiola Studio
5
6
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Florian Seidl
Design Manager
at Lavazza
The tinted glass is a great distinc...
6
4
6
4
5

Jelle Sapulete
Design Director
at Adidas
6
7
8
5
6.5

Shannon Pringle
Interior Designer
at Bernardon
Very different kind of retail space...
7
3
5
3
4.5

Tetsuya Matsumoto
Head Architect
at KTX archiLAB
8
6
8
6
7

Matteo Renna
Founder
at matteorenna | studio
I agree that the function of a reta...
6
5
7
5
5.75

Justin Bridgland
Founding Partner
at More Design Office
The space provides some great momen...
7
3
6
5
5.25

Simona Franci
Principal and Design Director
at Fortebis
It’s correct to create new experien...
9
5
9
5
7

P.C.Ee
Editor & Creative Director
at industry+
6
5
7
5
5.75

Royce Epstein
Design Director
at Mohawk Group
Would love to see this activated wi...
6
7
8
4
6.25

alberto caiola
Design Director
at Alberto Caiola Studio
5
6
6
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5.75
Designer
Client
Anna Molina
Floor area
200 ㎡
Completion
2023
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