Empordà Country House by Francesc Rifé

Set in the Baix Empordà region of Catalonia, this traditional country house was reimagined by Francesc Rifé, bringing a contemporary architectural sensibility to the rural character of the original masía.

The renovation preserves the building’s stone walls, timber beams and vernacular proportions while introducing carefully considered interventions in wood, marble and natural materials. A restrained approach allows the existing architecture and the surrounding landscape to remain central to the experience of the house.

The interiors bring together traditional craftsmanship and twentieth-century design. Lighting by José Antonio Coderch, including the Disa lamp, appears alongside the 606 Universal Shelving System by Dieter Rams for Vitsœ, Miguel Milá’s Cesta lamp for Santa & Cole, and seating by Hans J. Wegner for Carl Hansen & Søn.

Further pieces include the Barcelona chair by Mies van der Rohe for Knoll, furniture by Kaare Klint and the Eames rocking chair for Vitra. Locally sourced antiques, handcrafted furniture and objects collected over time introduce a more personal dimension to the interiors.

Beyond the main residence, the property includes a former barn and a guest pavilion, where contemporary furnishings coexist with original stonework and timber structures. The garden and swimming pool extend the relationship between the architecture and the Mediterranean landscape.

Photographed by Daniel Schäfer Studio and published in Architectural Digest Spain, the editorial series documents the dialogue between architectural heritage, contemporary design, local craftsmanship and rural living.