fran silvestre arquitectos renovates farmhouse in girona, spain
In the heart of Canet d’Adri, Girona, Fran Silvestre Arquitectos breathes new life into an abandoned farmhouse, transforming it into Mas Cadalt, a contemporary rural dwelling where British designer Terence Woodgate and his partner Paula Woodgate continue their London-based work, surrounded by the Catalan countryside.
The Spanish farmhouse preserves the traditional construction system typical of the Empordà region, using irregular limestone masonry bonded with lime mortar, reinforced at the corners and openings with finely cut ashlar blocks. After repairing and reconstructing the original walls, the architects introduced a cork-based insulation layer for improved thermal performance. Inside, a new white skin enhances brightness and conceals mechanical and electrical systems, while limestone flooring creates a consistent material palette throughout the home.
all images by Fernando Guerra
Mas Cadalt is a home and studio for Terence Woodgate
The project questions whether a way of life can be restored with the same precision used to recover an ancient object. Fran Silvestre Arquitectos’ response begins with understanding the site’s essence, its materials, and the stories embedded in its walls. The Valencia-based architects maintain the original volume and typology of the farmhouse, while spatial transformations remain minimal and deliberate. Each existing space finds new life within a specific part of the updated program. The kitchen occupies the triple height of the old tower, the living room opens toward views of the Sierra de la Cadalt, and the lower level, once reserved for livestock, is reinterpreted as a flexible multipurpose area. An adjacent outbuilding, once used for farm tools, has been repurposed into a garage with an upper-floor studio, where Terence Woodgate designs his furniture and lighting collections.
Mas Cadalt is fully self-sufficient, equipped with photovoltaic panels, batteries, and an autonomous water system supplied by custom-designed cisterns, one of which has been transformed into a pool. The surrounding six hectares of land, partially cultivated, produce food for the inhabitants. The architects describe the renovation process as one shaped by patience and humility, restoring the damaged pieces and adding only what was missing.
Mas Cadalt’s restored limestone facades in Canet d’Adri, Girona
the house opens to views of the Sierra de la Cadalt
a repurposed water cistern now forms a compact pool framed by limestone paving
this cluster of stone volumes nestled in the Catalan countryside
limestone masonry and traditional roof tiles maintain continuity with the local vernacular
interior spaces balance warmth and precision
the living area features a long dining table
minimalist interiors combine limestone floors with custom furniture
the former livestock level is reinterpreted as a lounge area
the ensemble of restored volumes blend with the surrounding mountain terrain
a self-sufficient residence, equipped with photovoltaic panels
reach existing space finds new life within a specific part of the updated program
the team maintains the original volume and typology of the farmhouse
Mas Cadalt glows softly within the wooded slopes of Girona
project info:
name: Mas Cadalt
architect: Fran Silvestre Arquitectos | @fransilvestrearquitectos
location: Canet d’Adri, Girona, Spain
built area: 385 square meters
plot area: 675,746 square meters
principal in charge: Fran Silvestre
project team: María Masià, Susana León
collaborating architects: Pablo Camarasa, Ricardo Candela, Estefania Soriano, Carlos Lucas, Sevak Asatrián, Javi Herrero, Facundo Castro, Anna Alfanjarín, Laura Bueno, Toni Cremades, Susana León, David Cirocchi, Neus Roso, Nuria Doménech, Andrea Raga, Olga Martín, Víctor González, Pepe Llop, Alberto Bianchi, Andrea Blasco, Laura Palacio, Carlos Perez, Jovita Cortijo, Claudia Escorcia, Diana Murcia, Olga Fernández, Daniel Fenollosa, Andrés Jiménez, Álvaro Navarro, Diana Chilingaryan, Maria Barberá, Roberto Marañón
interior design: Alfaro Hofmann
developers: Terence Woodgate | @terencewoodgate.studio and Paula Woodgate
technical architect: Xavier Baldrich
structural engineer: Windmill Structural Consultants
construction: Construccions Costa Burch S.L.
photographer: Fernando Guerra | @fernandogguerra
video: Jesús Orrico | @jesusorrico
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