El Molí de Ribes

by Pau

When we first started imagining the process of preparing the Molí apartments, it seemed very complex. It was an old farmhouse, and it was necessary to analyze in advance if it was possible to rehabilitate it, as well as to determine what could be preserved and what needed to be newly constructed.

This process has been long and demanding, but very motivating. We have faced difficult moments, but the satisfaction of seeing the project advance has kept us motivated. Regarding our relationship with the architect, we have always felt very supported. She has shown a close and understanding attitude towards our personal situation, adapting the steps to be taken according to our economic and personal circumstances at each moment. Concerning the architect’s work in the design and construction process, it has been more complex than we initially thought. Translating the reality of what we wanted into a plan was complicated, but Clàudia has managed to simplify this complexity excellently.

The results of the renovation have been just as we had imagined. We have managed to bring our vision to life, and this makes us very happy. When we enter the apartments, we feel proud to have rescued a house that was in ruins. We have not only rescued the apartments but also preserved all the history within them. We have sourced materials from the area and, above all, rehabilitated it while trying to maintain the essence of its origins.

One of the decisions that improved the house compared to what we had initially imagined was extending the central staircase by one more floor. Initially, we wanted to create two different spaces, but by connecting them, we have offered more possibilities for large or small groups, allowing more spaces to be opened or closed.

Among the highlights, the opening of the dining room window has become a distinguishing feature of the house. Focusing it to have a terrace has improved the way of living in the apartment, providing much more light inside. Additionally, we have ensured that each space is functional, and the terrace brings great life, especially in summer.

It has been a very exhaustive job, but we are really very happy with the results.

Architects:

Clàudia Pardellans