In some cases, a roof can become the shining centerpiece in a work of architecture. Catalan vault, also known as Valencian timbrel vault, became a fixture in Spanish architecture in the 19th century, popularized thanks to its low cost and ease of sourcing and assembly. With the ability to span over 30m per module, this technique is currently making a comeback, establishing itself as a go-to construction method in industrial architecture and can be seen in everything including workshops, factories, and warehouses.
In the 1950s, the focus on architectural language and the expressiveness of materials drove the development of research dedicated to the Catalan vault technique.
Many architects found their inspiration in this movement and quickly incorporated the traditional method's techniques and materials into their own projects. Antonio Bonet's La Ricarda and Le Corbusier's Maisons Jaoul are just some of the most famous examples. Today, even more architects are researching the technique and giving it a modern twist as they integrate it into their work.
In this article, we feature 15 Spanish projects that feature Catalan vault in their construction:
Casa Tomás / LAB + Pepe Gascon
Beats / Nook architects + byn studio
Rehabilitación Masía / Hernández Arquitectos
Recaredo Tasting Area / Francesc Rifé studio
Valldaura Labs Rehabilitation / Guallart Architects
Refurbishment of an Apartment in Barcelona / Allaround Lab
Kaikaya / Masquespacio
Casa JASB / Alessia Scardamaglia
Empordà House / Núria Selva Villaronga
House Rehabilitation in Villanueva de Duero / Arias Garrido Arquitectos
Refurbishment in Sarrià / Sergi Pons architects
Casa de Espejos / Nook architects
Tyche Apartment / CaSA + Margherita Serboli
Ca Peter & Lisa / David Estal
Reí Martí Deposit / ARCHIKUBIK
