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by Sean Hill on Nov 29, 2024
A few weeks ago, I had the privilege of visiting Casa Gomis with my friend and fellow architect Pera Buil of Vora, the Barcelona-based architectural studio. Also known as La Ricarda, this remarkable house near Barcelona offers a masterclass in sustainable architecture that remains startlingly relevant today.Designed by the Catalan architect Antoni Bonet i Castellana for the Gomis-Bertrand family in the late 1940s and built in the 1960s, Casa Gomis embodies a revolutionary approach to architecture that harmoniously integrates structure, landscape, and environmental consciousness.
Harmonious Design Logic
What struck us most about Casa Gomis was the rigorous logic of its plan - the precise positioning of the bays, or 'fingers' creating a beautiful interplay of tension and connection between spaces. The Catalan-style vaulted ceilings amplify the spatial drama while unifying the house and enabling a remarkable lightness in the structure. A minimal material palette enhances the timelessness of the design, while the surrounding pine trees act as both an enclosure and a natural extension of the architecture, offering shade and a secondary 'roof'.
These elements, which we now associate with sustainable design, were undoubtedly as much a product of practical and aesthetic considerations as they were environmental. Nonetheless, their alignment with today’s sustainability principles underscores the forward-thinking nature of this design.
Pioneering Sustainable Design Solutions
Casa Gomis was far ahead of its time in implementing principles of what we now define as sustainable architecture. The house is oriented on a precise square grid aligned with the sun's trajectory, showcasing an intuitive grasp of passive solar design - a key principle we embrace at RISE Design Studio in projects like Herbert Paradise.
The Catalan vaulted roofs, delicately balanced on slender steel posts, create a revolutionary structural system that eliminates the need for load-bearing walls. This innovation not only provides remarkable spatial flexibility but also minimises material use. This efficient use of resources, coupled with the vaults' contribution to natural cross-ventilation, embodies a pragmatic yet innovative approach to sustainable living.
Smart Solar Solutions
One of the most striking features is the west-facing timber louvers, designed to shield interiors from intense afternoon sun. Complementing this are generous roof overhangs that block harsh summer midday sun while welcoming the lower winter sun into the house. These passive climate control strategies reduce reliance on mechanical systems and highlight the integration of sustainability with aesthetic beauty.
Circular coloured glass insets, punctuating the house’s design, filter sunlight into dynamic displays throughout the day. While visually stunning, these elements also serve a functional purpose as part of a passive solar heating strategy, perfectly blending sustainability and artistic expression.
Details That Matter
Every detail of Casa Gomis reflects a deep consideration of function, aesthetics, and sustainability. The rainwater management system, for instance, replaces conventional downpipes with rhythmic façade outlets that turn a practical necessity into an architectural feature. The house's minimal material palette, which reduces waste and ensures longevity, is another hallmark of its sustainable ethos - principles we've embraced in projects like our Elmwood Tennis Pavilion.
Modern Relevance
Casa Gomis remains a benchmark for sustainable architecture, particularly in its ability to achieve thermal comfort without relying on complex mechanical systems - a pressing goal as we confront the challenges of climate change. Its pioneering design offers solutions that are not only elegant but also environmentally sound, from passive cooling to material efficiency.
At RISE Design Studio, we often draw inspiration from such trailblazing approaches. In developing our sustainable projects, we’re not just applying modern technologies; we’re building on a rich heritage of architectural innovation exemplified by Casa Gomis.
Learning from the Past, Building for the Future
Casa Gomis teaches us that sustainable architecture transcends technical solutions - it’s about creating spaces that work in harmony with their environment while enriching the lives of their occupants. Its lessons in passive solar design, material efficiency, and flexible spaces remain relevant today.
Although Casa Gomis has limited public access, its principles continue to inspire contemporary sustainable architecture. At RISE Design Studio, we’re proud to carry forward this legacy, creating spaces that respond to today’s climate challenges while delivering beautiful, liveable architecture.
Whether you're planning a new build, renovation, or extension, these time-tested principles of sustainable design can elevate your project. From optimal solar orientation to adaptive, flexible spaces, thoughtful integration of sustainable features can create buildings that are not only environmentally responsible but also more comfortable and cost-effective to run.
Ready to explore how sustainable architecture can transform your space? Visit our portfolio to see how we’re applying these principles in modern contexts, or get in touch to discuss your project. Together, we can craft architecture that honours the lessons of the past while shaping a sustainable future.
