Set within the medieval village of Fonolleres in Spain’s Empordà region, Fonolleres House by Anna and Eugeni Bach is a thoughtful renovation that enhances an existing home without erasing its history. Instead of replacing the early 21st-century structure, the architects preserved much of the original building and introduced a series of carefully designed additions that strengthen the connection between indoor and outdoor living.
Rooted in local materials, Mediterranean traditions, and distinctive geometric forms, the 350-square-meter project blends seamlessly into its centuries-old surroundings while creating flexible spaces tailored to contemporary life.
Preserving the Existing Home Through Sensitive Renovation
Instead of demolishing the original house, Anna and Eugeni Bach retained most of the existing structure, significantly reducing construction waste and embodied energy. The extension respects the scale and proportions of the original volume while drawing inspiration from the gradual evolution of Fonolleres, where homes have been expanded and adapted over generations.
This restrained approach allows the renovated residence to feel like a natural continuation of the village’s architectural fabric rather than a contrasting intervention.
Geometry Gives Every Outdoor Space a Distinct Identity
Additionally, the architects created a collection of independent architectural elements, each defined by a unique geometric form and purpose. A seven-bay porch stretches across the swimming pool to provide shaded outdoor living, while a triangular barbecue pavilion projects from the main façade.
A recessed entrance subtly integrates into the existing volume, and a freestanding circular pergola offers a peaceful spot for outdoor dining and relaxation. Although each structure has its own identity, shared proportions, materials, and detailing create a cohesive architectural composition.
Local Materials Connect the House to Its Medieval Setting
The material palette was carefully selected by Anna and Eugeni Bach to reflect the warm ochre tones that characterize Fonolleres. Terracotta ceramics, timber, silicate plaster, and locally inspired finishes echo the village’s historic stone buildings, allowing the extension to blend naturally with its surroundings. Many ceramic elements were fired in wood-burning kilns to achieve subtle color variations that mirror the textures of traditional architecture.
Together, these materials establish a restrained monochromatic appearance that reinforces the project’s strong relationship with its rural context.
Interiors Designed Around Reading, Music, and Mediterranean Living
The renovation extends beyond outdoor spaces to create highly personalized interiors that reflect the homeowner’s lifestyle. The ground floor accommodates a library and music studio, while the upper level houses the master bedroom. A dramatic triangular double-height void visually and acoustically connects these spaces, allowing music from the studio to flow upstairs while keeping books easily accessible from both levels.
Hidden behind the bedroom is a secluded reading room linked directly to the library below, creating an intimate retreat dedicated to quiet reflection. Combined with the generous outdoor living areas, the home embraces the Mediterranean way of life, where daily activities naturally move between indoor comfort and open-air spaces.
Photo Credit: Eugeni Bach
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