The architectural intervention in the winemaking estate known as El Tancat, located right in the middle of the Montsant Natural Park, recovers the old agricultural production buildings of the Carthusian Monastery of Scala Dei, in order to convert them into the small Hotel & Winery, Terra Dominicata.
The landscape architecture project for the exterior spaces was carried out with the utmost respect for, and with the willingness to preserve the surroundings, the architecture and the customs of the nearby towns. The materials, the colours, the vegetation, the textures, as well as the construction techniques used, are inherent to the place and to its historic and cultural heritage.
Organization & Sustainability techniques
The architectural layout of the complex housing the different pre-existing buildings resembles a small town with just a few houses. The project not only puts forward ideas and configurations of spaces and areas that are in harmony with the landscape, but also applies this intention to the construction techniques. It regains and promotes the use of the methods utilised in the layout of the Priorat´s agricultural landscape such as dry-stone walls or metal trellises for training grapevines. Local ceramic materials were also used in the flooring and staircases which were manufactured using local technologies. All of these techniques have been carried out by professionals and craftsmen from nearby towns, thereby strengthening the personal and cultural link to the Priorat landscape. Also, recovering the Montsant Natural Park’s native vegetation.
In addition to artisanal techniques, state-of-the-art processes concerning other aspects, such as environmental sustainability have also been applied. With that in mind phytodepuration systems for wastewater, drip irrigation systems and rainwater tanks for irrigation, as well as light flow dimmers to minimise light pollution have been installed.
Credits:
- SCOB architecture & Landscape - Architect & Landscape Architect - Sergi Carulla
- SCOB architecture & Landscape - Architect & Landscape Architect - Oscar Blasco