Some buildings possess a story that you can almost feel in their walls. The Fisherman’s House in Cadaqués is one of them. Nestled in a quiet, sun-drenched pedestrian square in the heart of the iconic Catalan village, it stood for over a century as a silent witness to time. When architects Bea Portabella + Jordi Pagès first approached the project, they found a structure steeped in history but crumbling under its weight. The challenge was immense. It wasn’t just about rebuilding; it was about resurrecting. The owner’s request was clear: bring the house into the 21st century, but do not, under any circumstances, erase its soul. This is the story of how they did it, blending memory with modernity in a way that feels both timeless and completely new.
A Story Etched in Stone: The Home’s Rich Past
Before its stunning transformation, this house lived many lives. Originally built for a local fisherman, its thick, 50 cm stone walls provided shelter from the Mediterranean winds. It later became a guesthouse, welcoming travelers to the charming streets of Cadaqués. For a time, it even housed a Civil Guard outpost on its upper floor. You can imagine the layers of history absorbed by its timber beams and the original Catalan vaulted ceiling on the ground floor.
However, a century of life had taken its toll. The building was in an advanced state of ruin. A comprehensive intervention was not just necessary; it was critical. The project required a delicate touch—a deep respect for the traditional building techniques of the region while fearlessly reimag Bahkan a new vision for living. How do you honor the past while designing for the future? This project provides a masterful answer.
Designing with Light: The New Layout in the Fisherman’s House in Cadaqués
The true genius of this renovation lies in the complete reimagining of its interior space. The architects reconfigured the fragmented, dark layout into a bright, functional home that flows seamlessly across four levels.
On the ground floor, the beautifully preserved Catalan vault now presides over a flexible, multi-purpose area. It can be a vibrant playroom for children or practical storage for beach gear after a day on the water. During the renovation, a small patio was carved out, an ingenious move that draws natural light and air into a unique room set against the original rock face. This single decision adds incredible texture and a connection to the raw, natural landscape of Cadaqués.
Moving up to the first floor, you find the heart of the home. This is where the social areas—the kitchen, dining, and living rooms—come together. Here, the architects made a bold choice. They created new, large openings in the thick load-bearing walls. This wasn’t just a structural change; it was a conceptual one. It connected the rooms visually, allowing conversations and, more importantly, sunlight, to flow freely from one space to the next. A wide opening onto the patio blurs the line between inside and out, creating an atmosphere that feels open, fresh, and alive.
The private quarters are located on the second floor. Bedrooms and bathrooms are designed as sanctuaries of calm and comfort. Finally, the third floor is a celebration of the Mediterranean. It opens up to a sun-drenched terrace with breathtaking sea views, offering a privileged spot for quiet contemplation or morning coffee. It’s the perfect crown for this spectacular fisherman’s house in Cadaqués.
A Conversation Between Old and New Materials
Materiality is at the core of this project’s success. The design is a tactile dialogue between vernacular traditions and contemporary aesthetics. But how do you make old and new materials speak to each other in a harmonious way?
First, the team salvaged what they could. Original ceramic tiles were carefully recovered and repurposed, their worn patterns evoking a powerful sense of memory and place. The walls, in contrast, were finished with white lime plaster. This wasn’t just a stylistic choice. Lime plaster is a traditional, breathable material perfectly suited to the humid coastal climate, and its brilliant white finish bounces light around the interior, enhancing the home’s Mediterranean character.
For the new elements, the architects chose Iroko wood. This rich, warm, and durable wood was used for all the custom joinery and furniture. Its expressive grain provides a beautiful material counterpoint to the clean white walls and rustic stone. The interplay between the smooth plaster, the textured original tiles, and the warm Iroko wood gives the home a depth and character that feels both authentic and sophisticated.
Respecting the Streetscape: The Façade’s Enduring Charm
While the interior of the Fisherman’s House in Cadaqués underwent a complete metamorphosis, its public face remains respectfully intact. The architects preserved the original façade, carefully restoring the existing windows and shutters. This decision anchors the home in its historic context and maintains the aesthetic integrity of the picturesque square it inhabits.
Drawing inspiration from the local architecture of the mid-20th century, the project engages in a respectful conversation with its surroundings. It proves that modernity doesn’t have to shout. Instead, it can whisper, adding a new chapter to an old story without erasing what came before. This rehabilitation is a powerful example of how sensitive, thoughtful design can honor a building’s legacy while adapting it for generations to come. It’s not just a house; it’s a piece of Cadaqués’ history, reborn.
Project at a Glance
- Project Location: Cadaqués, Girona
- Project Country: Spain
- Completion Year: 2024
- Architects: Bea Portabella + Jordi Pagès
- Built-up Area: 82 m²
- Gross Floor Area: 326 m²
- Usable Floor Area: 263 m²
- Photographer: David Zarzoso
- Main Contractor: Construcciones Llach
More Than a Renovation: A Legacy Reborn
Ultimately, the transformation of the Fisherman’s House in Cadaqués is more than an architectural achievement. It’s a lesson in respect. It shows that it is possible to infuse a historic structure with contemporary life, light, and function without sacrificing its identity. By preserving key elements and introducing modern design with intention and care, Bea Portabella and Jordi Pagès have created a home that is both a comfortable dwelling and a living piece of cultural heritage. What does it truly mean to preserve a building’s soul? Perhaps the answer lies here, in these light-filled rooms and historic stone walls.
All images © Bea Portabella + Jordi Pagès, and David Zarzoso. Feel free to find other inspiring architecture and interior design projects at WE AND THE COLOR.
