Can Bellpuig by Francesc Rifé Studio | A summer home overlooking the lake of Banyoles

The renovation of this family house overlooking the lake of Banyoles is designed to embrace both the vastness of nature and the beauty of small details...

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From the architect: Located in an idyllic setting near the Estany de Banyoles, this summer house renovation is designed to highlight the surrounding views and distinctive architectural details. Common construction elements, such as the roof’s rainwater gutter and shutters, take on new meaning through this intervention.

The rainwater gutter logically frames the gable roof and extends to the sides, transforming, on one side, into a pergola. Its design is not merely technical and functional but also shapes outdoor living and defines the project’s contemporary identity. The steel shutters reinforce this concept: whether closed or open, they are neatly framed within the white façade, offering a cleaner and more modern aesthetic.

The renovation includes a swimming pool, oriented towards a horizon of lush nature, ensuring the neighbouring houses remain largely invisible. Around this area, gabions filled with local stone retain the natural slopes of the terrain. Beyond being a practical construction solution, this system allows vegetation to grow over time, further blending the structure into its surroundings. A discreet guest volume, comprising a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchenette, completes this lower section of the site.

As a retreat where the family seeks to disconnect from the urban bustle, the interior of the house has been conceived as intimate and understated. Both the communal and private spaces feature neutral colours, natural materials, and pared-down lines to encourage relaxation. Oak wood is a key material, present in the floors, cladding certain walls, and covering the fireplace that serves as a threshold between the living room and the dining area. This materiality extends to the open-plan kitchen, enhanced by a Zimbabwe black granite worktop, contributing to the warm atmosphere.

The remainder of the ground floor is dedicated to the entrance, two bedrooms, and a bathroom. The staircase, defined by a black steel balustrade, leads to the first floor, which is entirely occupied by the master suite. Due to the limited space allowed by the original structure, the hallway leading to the suite has been cleverly used as a dressing area. From this level, each window provides unobstructed views of the lake, offering a sense of living within a landscape painting. When needed, Venetian blinds diffuse the natural light, casting moving shadows throughout the day that act as a sundial.

Architect: Francesc Rifé Studio
Location: Banyoles, Girona
Year: 2025
Photography: Javier Márquez

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