Nordest Arquitectura reinterprets the Ampurdanese house using natural materials and a seamless integration into the landscape

Commissioned by a family from Sabadell enamored with the region, the project required two separate but interconnected homes: one for the parents, and another for the children and their families. The design called for shared outdoor spaces to foster togetherness while preserving a degree of privacy and independence for each household.

The clients requested the use of the EvoWall construction system, based on lightweight precast concrete panels, engineered to meet Passivhaus energy standards.

To meet the demands of context and climate, the architects reinterpreted the traditional Ampurdanese home, introducing patios and strategically placed openings that blend interior and exterior spaces. This approach fosters a close relationship with the surrounding landscape and reflects the identity of the region.

“One of the main challenges was to create a balanced design that speaks of contemporary architecture while reinterpreting tradition—especially given the strict urban planning codes governing composition, aesthetics, and the proportion of openings,” explain the architects.

A key design element was the use of compressed earth blocks by Fet de Terra, a modern take on traditional rammed-earth walls found in vernacular construction.

The two homes are organized around a central patio that acts as both entrance and a spatial hinge between inside and out. Both dwellings feature a ground floor with garage, bedrooms, and an open-plan kitchen, dining, and living space. Upstairs, each house includes two en-suite bedrooms.

The project’s chromatic palette draws on the region’s earthy tones. On the façades, compressed earth blocks are arranged horizontally at ground level to unify the openings, while lime mortar stucco is applied to the upper walls. Window frames and wall coping are finished with terracotta tiles, and natural wood is used for all joinery.

Inside and out, all materials are natural, locally sourced, and low-impact. Terracotta floor tiles, exposed timber structures, natural wood furnishings, and lime-based paints create a warm, tactile interior atmosphere.

Project: Casas 1922.
Architecture: Nordest Arquitectura.
Architects: Jordi Riembau Ribot y Miquel Rusca Mestre
Design Team: Nordest Arquitectura.
Technical Architect: Tec2 at.
Interior Design: María Jiménez.
Builder: Evowall.
Completion: 2023.
Built Area:: 270 + 267.
Location: Rupià, Girona.
Photography: Filippo Poli.

Nordest Arquitectura

Founded in Palau-Sator (Girona) in 2016, Nordest Arquitectura engages in projects at multiple scales, from private homes to public buildings, with uses spanning residential, hospitality, education, and culture. The studio specializes in both new-build and renovation work, including projects within protected heritage contexts. Their designs have been featured in numerous architectural publications.

Notable works include Casa 1510, Casa 1603, Casa 1615, Casa 1707, their own studio renovation (2018), the remodeling of Hotel La Bionda (2020), the restoration of La Bisbal d’Empordà’s historic wall (2021), and the upgrade of the access road to Port Lligat (2022). The firm is currently active across Catalonia and Spain, and has undertaken projects in Canada, Senegal, and the Middle East.

Nordest Arquitectura has received several accolades, including two Girona Regional Architecture Awards (2019 and 2021). They have been nominated for the FAD Awards and the European Award for Architectural Heritage Intervention, and were selected for the German Design Awards in 2023. Their founders have served as jurors in Buildner architecture competitions and have lectured on their work at the Architects’ Association of Catalonia.

Jordi Riembau Ribot, born in 1975 in Sant Feliu de Boada (Girona), graduated in architecture from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia in 2003. He worked in several studios in Barcelona before co-founding TAB_arquitectes in 2004 and later establishing This IS Estudi d’Arquitectura. In 2018, alongside Miquel Rusca, he founded Nordest Arquitectura SLP.

Miquel Rusca Mestre, born in 1987 in Sant Sadurní de l’Heura (Girona), graduated from the Polytechnic School of Architecture of Girona in 2014. After working in his family’s practice and with the firm Hidalgo-Hartmann, he joined Jordi Riembau in 2014. Together, they founded Nordest Arquitectura in 2018.

Source: Nordest Arquitectura.

Project by Nordest Arquitectura