On 2017 we had the big-pleasant surprise that Catalan architect firm RCR Arquitectes won the Pritzker prize, the international architecture's highest award. We were so happy for them (Behomm is also based in Catalonia and we know their works since a long time and love them).

 

RCR Arquitectes is made up of Rafael Aranda, Carme Pigem and Ramon Vilalta and is based in their hometown of Olot, in the countryside near Girona. Loyal to their region and roots, they have many works in the area.

 

We'd like to suggest an architectural tour around Girona visiting their projects. There are several Behommers in the area you can home exchange with. Here's a selection of the works we've visited ourselves and like the most:

 

Bell-Lloc Winery

 

Winery nestling among fields and near the sea, hardly known in Catalonia, not touristic at all. The owner asked RCR partners for a cave for his wines and also a space to gather with friends. An impressive result... the light! As graphic designers, not architects, in this space we clearly realized that architects use light like any other material, as wood, concrete, glass… to design. RCR shapes light in such a poetic way in Bell-Lloc.

 

Don’t miss the wine labels also designed by RCR. The owner asked them to ensure that, when he drinks the wine, there would be no label to interfere in the experience of drinking it; a plain bottle, just the wine. RCR designed such an elegant-smart solution.

 

This is a small winery and only allows guided visits which need to be booked in advance and usually take place at 12 am. After, you can have lunch at the old farmhouse, also belonging to the winery, not designed by RCR, on a sunny terrace with great views. The restaurant and winery are run by a very nice couple and great cooks, Pepi and Ángel. Afterwards, drive down to Calella de Palafrugell and enjoy sunset at this enchanting seaside town.

 

Passatge Riera Bell-Lloc, 17230 Palamós (Girona)
Phone. +34 972 316 203  bell-lloc@brugarol.com

Les Cols

 

Old farmhouse from the 15th century located in Olot with three spaces designed by RCR: a restaurant, an event space and pavilions that serve as a hotel.

 

The pavilions are probably our favorite, where RCR Arquitectes have also played with light with such finesse. The only way to see the pavilions is by booking a night (one night is enough to enjoy it, worth the money). We love how RCR has designed the hotel experience by starting with a quite dark welcome-check-in room to leave behind your daily routine and enter an atmosphere of contemplation, silence...

 

We recommend, if you can afford it: lunch at the restaurant (two Michelin stars), dinner at your pavilion (bedroom), breakfast at the garden and also ordering the picnic lunch to take away and enjoy at the nearby Cruscat volcano.

 

We admire the Puigdevall family, the owners of Les Cols, for being brave twenty years ago, investing in design and hiring RCR Arquitectes in this traditional rural area. Bravo!

 

Beauty and love is in every detail of Les Cols.

 

Mas Les Cols | Avinguda de les Cols, 2 17800 Olot (Girona)
www.lescolspavellons.com

Pedra Tosca Park and Tossols Basil Athletics Stadium

 

Feel the volcanic roughness at Pedra Tosca Park and nearby enjoy the special experience of running in an athletics stadium among trees. As these two RCR projects are very close to each other, we suggest you hire bikes at Les Preses old train station and cycle the “Carrilet” (old railway track). Take the Olot direction, you’ll pass by the Pedra Tosca Park, stop and visit it. Afterwards, cycle a bit further and you’ll come across the Tossols Basil Athletics Stadium on your left. Every time we’ve visited the stadium, with friends and family, we’ve raced one lap of the track. Do it and send us a picture of the winner :-).

Please note that, on purpose, we’ve hardly explained the spaces, added more photos, better to discover them yourselves. Enjoy RCR architecture. Enjoy beauty.

 

There are several other RCR works in the area you’ll find in their website:

www.rcrbunkafundacio.cat