Architect Actualizes His 45-Year-Long Dream By Transforming An Abandoned Ramshackle Cement Factory Into A Magnificent Castle Fit For A King
Formerly a World War I repair facility, the historic factory is now one of Barcelona's most opulent residences.
After years of hard work, architect Ricardo Bofill has finally made his dream come true. Having purchased an abandoned cement factory in 1973 with the intention of transforming it into a lush environment, he never would have thought that it would take him almost half a century before he would be living there himself!
La Fábrica, as it is popularly known, was formerly used as a repair shop during World War I. It is located just on the outskirts of Barcelona, Spain, where it has served different purposes throughout the years.
Ricardo Bofill had more than just an architectural vision when he purchased La Fábrica. This lifelong dream required determination and patience, as well as years of hard work to turn it from what once stood as an abandoned factory into one of Barcelona's most beautiful homes.
Bofill saw the potential of this place and immediately got to work on transforming it into his dream home that he had always envisioned since childhood. He was never discouraged by the challenges it would take to accomplish his goal, and with each passing year, he continued working.
According to Bofill:
This cement factory, dating from the first period of the industrialization of Catalonia, was not built all at once or as a whole but was a series of additions as the various chains of production became necessary. The formal result was given, then, by a series of stratified elements, a process reminiscent of vernacular architecture, but applied to industry.
Witness the incredible transformation of this property, which was formerly a ramshackle industrial site, into a lush castle from a fairy tale.
The old La Fábrica cement factory before the transformation.
Ricardo BofillBofill purchased the old cement factory in 1973 and began modifying the structure, both inside and out, to suit his vision.
Ricardo BofillTechnical/Architectural drawings of the building project
Ricardo Bofill
As a young, ambitious man, Bofill lived like a nomad, traveling and building throughout the country. While on one of his journeys, he spotted a thick cloud of smoke from a distance, just as he was leaving Barcelona.
Upon investigation, he discovered that the smoke was coming from a cement factory, the oldest in Spain, which also had the tallest chimney. The pollution it was causing was of great concern to him, and seeing that management was planning to close shop and move, Bofill thought to himself, "Why not buy all the land, occupy it, and work in the factory?"
Bofill was on a mission to build a team of workers that included a blend of sociologists, mathematicians, philosophers, writers, and painters. He set out to reconstruct the ruin into a labyrinth where every inch of space is utilized and where no one can easily come across each other, allowing everyone to live freely.
He transformed the environment into a minimalistic green space while replacing polluting agents like chimneys with sculptures and cylinders.
I have the impression of living in a precinct, in a closed universe that protects me from the outside and everyday life.Bofill remarked.
The Cement Factory is a place of work par excellence. Life goes on here in a continuous sequence, with very little difference between work and leisure.The building is surrounded by green vegetation, with no smoke or air-polluting agents in the environment.
Ricardo Bofill
Lovely
Ricardo Bofill
Such an interesting design already in place
Ricardo Bofill
It's like it was always meant to be a castle...
Ricardo Bofill
Unique perspectives
Ricardo Bofill
What a sight
Ricardo Bofill
Details
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Incredible
Ricardo Bofill
The interior is furnished with modern and unique essentials, allowing it to be just as minimalistic and functional.
Ricardo Bofill
Eye-catching
Ricardo Bofill
Elegant
Ricardo Bofill
Unexpected
Ricardo Bofill
A reading nook
Ricardo Bofill
Cozy
Ricardo Bofill
Bright
Ricardo Bofill
Each space is designed with a specific purpose in mind, and no two rooms are identical in nature.
Ricardo Bofill
Light
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Wow
Ricardo Bofill
Bofill and his team continue to work on the house to this day.
Ricardo Bofill
Ricardo Bofill's story:
It is rare to find people who can turn their lifelong dream into reality, but Ricardo Bofill's dedication and patience paid off. A true visionary with an impressive creative mind that once again inspires us to follow our dreams!
If you're feeling stuck and uninspired, take a look at this story as an example of how much success is possible if you just keep going! What's your dream?
