A recently published report by the Government of Catalonia has officially recognized Antoni Gaudí as the designer of Xalet del Catllaràs, a modernist mountain retreat located in northern Spain, dispelling decades of speculation.
Official Confirmation: Gaudí's Xalet del Catllaràs
In a significant architectural discovery, the Government of Catalonia's cultural department recently unveiled a comprehensive report confirming Antoni Gaudí as the architect behind Xalet del Catllaràs. This early 20th-century chalet, nestled in the mountainous region north of Barcelona within the Berguedà county, was constructed between 1901 and 1908. The commission came from Eusebi Güell, Gaudí's lifelong patron and the visionary behind projects like Park Güell. The detailed investigation, led by Professor Galdric Santana Roma from the Polytechnic University of Catalonia, meticulously analyzed the chalet's structural elements. Professor Roma's findings highlighted distinctive architectural features—such as specific types of arches, vaulting techniques, and interior walls set at 45-degree angles—that were hallmarks of Gaudí's style during that era, preceding their widespread adoption by other architects by a decade or more. While Gaudí's association with Güell always suggested his potential involvement, concrete evidence had been elusive until now. Reports from Reuters suggest that Gaudí might not have openly claimed authorship due to his limited supervision during construction, which led to deviations from his initial designs. The chalet's construction also coincided with Gaudí's demanding commitments to other major works, including Casa Batlló and Park Güell, which previously fueled doubts about his connection to the remote project. Today, the Xalet del Catllaràs stands vacant, characterized by its striking pointed arch structure, housing six apartments spread across three floors, and featuring a prominent chimney and a central spiral staircase on its façade. This confirmation adds another significant piece to the rich tapestry of Gaudí's legendary architectural legacy, as the world anticipates the completion of his most iconic masterpiece, the Sagrada Familia, this year, marking the centenary of his passing.
This definitive confirmation of Gaudí's authorship of Xalet del Catllaràs offers a fascinating glimpse into the less-documented aspects of his prodigious career. It underscores the profound influence and intricate network of relationships that shaped his work, particularly with patrons like Eusebi Güell. Moreover, the story of the chalet highlights the challenges architects faced in the early 20th century, where distance and concurrent projects could lead to the anonymity of significant works. It's a reminder that even the most celebrated artists can have their contributions obscured by circumstance, only to be rediscovered through meticulous research and scholarly dedication. This revelation not only enriches our understanding of Gaudí's stylistic evolution but also emphasizes the importance of preserving and investigating architectural heritage, ensuring that historical truths eventually come to light.