Antoni Gaudí's Architectural Legacy Extends with Revelation of Xalet del Catllaràs

An elegant modernist building in the mountains north of Barcelona, originally constructed to house engineers working on a nearby mine, has been confirmed as a creation of Antoni Gaudí, Catalonia’s most celebrated architect. The Xalet del Catllaràs, located approximately 80 miles from Barcelona in the county of Berguedà, was built in 1905 and commissioned by Eusebi Güell, Gaudí's longtime patron. Güell, the owner of a cement company with mining interests in the region, needed accommodations for the engineers—many of them British—who would assist in extracting coal for his factories. For years, it has been suspected that the now-unoccupied chalet was designed by Gaudí, but historians had not definitively attributed the work to him. The building showcases elements of Gaudí's naturalistic style, drawing inspiration from the forms of plants and animals that would later define his renowned works such as Park Güell and Casa Batllò in Barcelona. Additionally, the pointed arch design hints at Gaudí's most famous work, the Sagrada Família. Catalan culture minister Sònia Hernández Almodóvar stated that this attribution results from rigorous research, enhancing our heritage and enriching Gaudí’s legacy, especially as we commemorate the centenary of his death. The analysis was conducted by the Catalan heritage department, led by Galdric Santana Roma, the chair of Gaudí studies, who confirmed, "After much research, we have concluded that the Xalet del Catllaràs is the work of Gaudí." However, it is important to note that this attribution applies strictly to the initial stages of the project as Gaudí did not oversee the construction, and the work ultimately did not adhere closely to his original design. Santana emphasized that certifying an architectural piece differs significantly from validating a painting, and the insights gained from studying the chalet will aid in examining other structures attributed to Gaudí. His passing on June 10, 1926, at the age of 73, followed an unfortunate accident involving a tram in Barcelona. A range of commemorative events and exhibitions are anticipated throughout the year to honor the centenary of his death. One of the most impactful developments in Gaudí’s legacy is the ongoing work on the Sagrada Família. This iconic church has been under construction since 1882, and the installation in June of the final elements of the illuminated cross atop the central Jesus Christ tower marks a significant milestone after more than 140 years of work. Upon completion, the tower will rise to 172.5 meters, making it the tallest building in Barcelona. The Sagrada Família has already earned the title of the world’s tallest church, following the lifting of part of its central tower last October. In his later years, Gaudí dedicated much of his time to the Sagrada Família, but only a fraction of the project was completed during his lifetime. Construction nearly halted at the onset of the Spanish Civil War in 1936. However, following the surge of mass tourism post-1992 Olympic Games, Barcelona emerged as a prominent tourist destination, leading to an acceleration in the construction of the church, now in its final stages. While the Glory facade's completion is expected to take an additional ten years, there remains the complex issue of constructing the grand entrance stairway originally envisioned in Gaudí's plans. This endeavor would require rehousing 10,000 individuals and demolishing approximately 3,000 apartments. As the architectural journey continues, the recognition of the Xalet del Catllaràs not only reaffirms Gaudí's innovative spirit but also signifies the enduring impact of his work on contemporary architecture. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2