Abandoned Spanish Farmhouse Transformed into Self-Sufficient Rural Residence
A derelict farmhouse in Canet d’Adri, Girona, Spain, has been meticulously renovated into a contemporary rural dwelling and studio, known as Mas Cadalt, by Fran Silvestre Arquitectos.
The project, completed today, November 8, 2025, preserves the traditional Empordà region’s construction techniques, utilizing irregular limestone masonry and lime mortar, reinforced with ashlar blocks. Architects introduced a cork-based insulation layer to improve thermal performance, and a white interior skin conceals mechanical systems while enhancing brightness. The 385-square-meter property, situated on a 675,746-square-meter plot, now serves as a home and workspace for British designers Terence Woodgate and Paula Woodgate, who continue their London-based work from the Catalan countryside.
Spatial transformations were minimal and deliberate, with the kitchen occupying a triple-height former tower, the living room opening to views of the Sierra de la Cadalt, and the lower level repurposed as a flexible multipurpose area. An adjacent outbuilding now functions as a garage with an upper-floor studio. Mas Cadalt is fully self-sufficient, featuring photovoltaic panels, batteries, and an autonomous water system, including a cistern transformed into a pool – a growing trend in sustainable architecture as homeowners seek independence from traditional utilities. The surrounding six hectares of land partially provide food for the inhabitants.
The renovation, described as a process of “patience and humility,” involved restoring damaged elements and adding only what was missing. The team, led by Fran Silvestre, maintained the original volume and typology of the farmhouse, ensuring continuity with the local vernacular. Further details about the project, including floor plans and elevations, can be found on the Fran Silvestre Arquitectos website. The project highlights the increasing interest in restoring historical buildings with modern sustainable technologies, as detailed by organizations like The National Trust.
Officials stated that the completed Mas Cadalt serves as a model for sensitive rural regeneration and sustainable living.
