farmhouse can xicarrÓ

FARMHOUSE CAN XICARRÓ GRAPHIC AND HISTORICAL STUDY OF THE FARMHOUSE IN VILANOVA I LA GELTRÚ

AUTHOR: SERGIO LÓPEZ BAREA

TUTOR: BENET MECA ACOSTA

CALL: OCTOBER 2012

BUILDING ENGINEERING

FINAL DEGREE PROJECT

Introduction After making various visits and compiling a variety of information, the focus of this thesis will be on The farmhouse Can Xicarró which is located in Polygon 1 42 (b) Vilanova i the Geltrú (Barcelona)

This thesis will focus on the masía’s astonishing history and architecture, factors which inspired me to research and study this project.

In order to develop this thesis, a series of sketches were carried out in which information about floors, elevations, sections and details were compiled. On the other hand, in order to complete the historical analysis, photographs and books about farmhouse were researched. The records of this spectacular construction show that there has been housing in Can Xicarró since 1497, in other words, only five years after the discovery of the Americas.

It should be noted that it was formally known the Farmhouse of the Planas which was owned by Pere Ballester. Subsequently Manuel Olivella Sama acquired it in the nineteenth century, and converted it to a Neo-Mudejar style characterized by stone arches, ornate tiles and brick.

At this time it was fashionable to demonstrate wealth. The location had many hectares of vineyards, which were used for the production of the wine and were stored in the warehouses adjacent to the main house.

Due to the small stature of the owner, the name of Las Planes was changed to Xicarró, meaning “little man” in Catalan.

The main facade was named “Villa Rosa” in honor of the granddaughter of Olivella who unfortunately died before her time.

During the Civil War, Mr. Olivella or his son bet in various casinos. In order to pay these outstanding gambling debts and pieces of the homestead were sold. Subsequently, the house became an orphanage. However, by the year 2000, John Duffi of Scotland (and in addition one of the people who took care of us during the project) bought the house and slowly began renovating it little by little.

INDEX

MEMORY PAG

1. THE FARMHOUSE CAN XICARRÓ

1.1 GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION 1

1.2 HISTORICAL LOCATION. CHRONOLOGY 2

1.3 THE BUILDING. THE MASÍA CAN XICARRÓ

1.3.1 STRUCTURE/ DISTRIBUTION 4

1.3.2 SURFACES 6

1.4 USES OF THE FARMHOUSE 7

BIBLIOGRAPHY 10

CONCLUSIONS 10

THANKS 10

CD CONTENT 10

Farmhouse Can Xicarró Vilanova i la Geltrú

1

1. THE FARM HOUSE CAN XICARRÓ

Memory

1.1 GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION

The farmhouse Can Xicarró housing estate is located in Polygon 42 1(B), in the area of Mas Xicarró of the municipality of the Vilanova i La Geltru and Garraf region. Specifically, according to the worldwide cartographic coordinate system and the virtual office of the cadastre following values are set:

Coordinates GPS: 41° 14′ 7.87″ N, 1° 42′ 37.85″ E

Coordinates UTM: z: 31T x: 391938 y: 4565704

Cadastral reference: 2058047CF9625N0001TR

The path of Dels Cireres and the Masia Xicarró housing estate delimits the area where the property is located. The constructed surface area of the plot according to the cadastre is 1585m² and in its entirety the housing consists of 937m ².

Vilanova I la Geltrú could be highlighted as a coastal municipality, with an extension of 33.5 km² and a population of 66,782 inhabitants. It is located halfway between two major metropolitan areas (40Km from Barcelona and 45 km from Tarragona).

It is known for its ample amounts of cultural offerings such as its technological museums and romanticism. It also should also be noted that it can be easily accessed by train.

Lastly, sports, beaches, walkways, and golf courses are also important parts of Vilanova I la Geltrú’'s infrastructure.

Location of Masía Can Xicarró

Municipio de Vilanova i la Geltrú

Situation of the municipality

Situation in Catalonia


2

1.2 HISTORICAL LOCATION

According to the historical archives, a feudal lord of Geltrú enacted a law which stated that the recently married must spend their first wedding night with him,

For this reason, inhabitants of La Geltrú migrated to territories near the sea, such as Cubellas. This chosen stetting therefore became a new town, and over the years the two towns merged.

In 1274, Vilanova i la Geltru, founded by King Jaime the First, granted the Municipal Charter. This charter was a key element in his reign, as it granted a number of privileges to population groups in order to obtain repopulation in certain areas of economic and strategic interest during the recapture of this region.

During the modern age, in the mid-eighteenth century, Carlos III boosted the economy of the territory with the start of American trade. This led to a cultural investment, along with a creation of meeting points and other sources of entertainment. The city brought about a great economic dynamism based on agriculture and maritime trade until the nineteenth century.

Since then, the industry of the textile sector was harnessed.

Alongside this phenomenon the majestic meeting gardens appeared adding joy to the city, all of which was due to contact with the island of Cuba.

As you can see, the evolution of festive events and celebrations became important, and Pedro Gumà in 1804 starred in the first theater of Villanueva.

Finally, in the mid-twentieth century while in the process of offering new products, the industry made a wager for the metal and chemical factories.

At the present moment, the municipality is known as a pioneer of the fishing activity and is highlighted as one of the most important of Catalonia. This does not mean that Vilanova i la Geltrú will not continue to devote to agriculture, tertiary sector and services.

Evolution of the municipality

Photo of the nineteenth

century Vilanova i la Geltrú

Textile industry


3

TH

E F

AR

MH

OU

SE C

AN

XIC

AR

RÓ

-168

8. R

EN

OV

ATE

D T

HE

MAS

ÍA –

NE

OM

UD

EJA

R S

TYLE

-157

0. T

HE

MA

SÍA

CA

N X

ICA

RR

Ó O

WN

ED

BY

PE

RE

RO

SS

ELL

-1

911.

TH

EY

NA

ME

TH

E P

RO

PE

RTY

“VIL

LA R

OS

A” I

N

HO

NO

R O

F O

VIV

ELL

A’S

GR

AN

DA

UG

HTE

R W

HO

DIE

D B

EFO

RE

HE

R T

IME

-1

936-

1939

. SP

AN

ISH

CIV

IL W

AR

. TH

E M

AS

ÍA IS

US

ED

AS

AN

O

RFA

NA

GE

-200

0. S

CO

TTIS

H B

US

INE

SS

MA

N, J

OH

N D

UFF

I,

B

UY

S T

HE

PR

OP

ER

TY A

ND

RE

NO

VA

TES

IT

-190

5. L

A F

AR

M L

OC

ATE

D IN

TH

E H

OM

ES

TEA

D X

ICA

RR

Ó S

ELL

S

M

ILK

HO

ME

DE

LIV

RY

.

-184

2. T

HE

PR

OP

ER

TY H

AS

A N

EW

OW

NE

R,

MA

NU

EL

OLI

VE

LLA

IS

AM

À.

1492

. The

Dis

cove

ry o

f Am

eric

a

His

tori

c E

ven

ts

-149

7. C

ON

STR

UC

TIO

N O

F TH

E M

AS

ÍA C

AN

XIC

AR

RÓ

.

O

WN

ER

PE

RE

BA

LLE

STE

R

1914

-191

8- W

OR

LD W

AR

I

939

95

O

1975

. DE

ATH

DE

FR

AN

CIS

CO

FR

AN

CO

. JU

AN

CA

RLO

S I

KIN

G O

F S

PA

IN

1992

. CE

BR

ATI

ON

S O

F TH

E O

LYM

PIC

GA

ME

S IN

BA

RC

ELO

NA

-

2001

. 9/1

1 A

TTA

CK

OF

THE

WO

RLD

TR

AD

E C

EN

TER

NY

C -

2004

. ATA

CK

IN M

AD

RID

-

1888

. UN

VIE

RS

AL

EX

PO

SIT

ION

IN B

AR

CE

LON

A -

1804

. PE

DR

O G

UM

ÁE

RIG

IÓ E

L FI

RS

T TH

EATE

R IN

VIL

LAN

UE

VA

-

1450

14

60

1470

1480

1490

150

0

1510

1520

1530

1540

1550

15

60

1570

1580

1590

160

0

1610

1620

1630

1640

1650

16

60

1670

1680

1690

170

0

1710

1720

1730

1740

1750

17

60

1770

1780

1790

180

0

1810

1820

1830

1840

1850

18

60

1870

1880

1890

190

0

1910

1920

1930

1940

1950

19

60

1970

1980

1990

200

0

2010

2020


4

1.3 THE BULDLING. LA MASÍA CAN XICARRÓ 1.3.1 STRUCTURE/ DISTRIBUTION

The farmhouse Can Xicarró is an isolated housing estate with dimensions of 1585m². Located within its interior is a farm, a garage, a tennis court, swimming pool, lake and two hectares of gardens with a large variety of vegetation.

Our object of study is specifically located in La Plana, in the territory known as Xicarró housing estate due to the presence of the farmhouse, although still not legalized. It is characterized by a neo-mudejar style. Structurally has forged unidirectional wood joists which rest on the walls of ceramic bricks load.

As to its foundation, considering its characteristics, run shoe factory.

By corresponding with the facade, we can say that it is an element that varies in size around 10cm based on its location.

In terms of dimensions and distribution, we can say that the building consists of a basement, a ground floor, first floor, second floor and deck. In each area, its squared shape stands out.

The ground floor is a dimension of +0.10, its constructed area is 367.00 m², and a porch of 193, 23 sq. m. By the south facade and main entrance, we found a very ornate hall. In this 64.29 m² space, we can appreciate the great style in all its splendor. From this point on the right side we have access to a large room with pool table and music system. Following its route and crossing one of the inner divisions we turn to the main dining room with a

surface of 36,97m ². Its location in this area gives it prominence and importance because it has it has access to the main kitchen, bath, porch and outdoor area.

Hall


5

The kitchen is equipped with two refrigerators, two ovens, dishwasher, freezer and microwave.

Returning to the main entrance towards the left hand side, we find a large room used for meeting or just for relaxing. This room leads to the porch and outdoor area and also accesses the double bedroom and bathroom. Close to the northern facade we find the kitchen through and a small washing area. Located to the right is an isolated chapel designed for special moments.

It should be noted, before accessing the next floor, that the entire house has an elevator on each floor.

The stairwell located in the hallway leads to the second floor. This level is characterized as having an altitude of +5.05m, for being 309.13 m², and for having terrace of 238.31 sq. m.

Unlike the first floor, which was used primarily for leisure, the second floor focuses on relaxation. For this reason this floor contains four large bedrooms or suites. Three of these rooms are equipped with a Jacuzzi and all of which provide generous views of the gardens and fields. Complementing its character is a room located in the southern facade which has a width of 43,50m ². Each room leads to a peripheral terrace.

In conclusion, on the third floor different levels can be found, such as +10.26m which leads to the suites, +10.86m in the distributor which is accessed means of a ladder or ramp and +11.96m in the master suite known as the Sultan Suite thus allowing it to have spectacular views.

This floor also contains a laundry room.

All of the details in each of its rooms make this house a luxurious and special paradise.

Suite Sultán

Jacuzzi

Views f rom the Sultán


6

1.3.2 SURFACES

The following is a more specific reference to the dimensions characterizing each of the plants

- BASEMENT

LOUNGE AREA ( m²) BASEMENT 6,71

TOTAL 6,71 m²

- GROUND FLOOR

LOUNGE AREA ( m²) HALL 64,29

MUSIC ROOM 33,99 DINING ROOM 36,97

TOILET 1 3,70 KITCHEN 17,77

WAREHOUSE 4,54 WASH ZONE 12,74

LIVING ROOM 55,13 DISTRIBUTOR 3,48 WASHROOM 5,10 BEDROOM 12,46

STAIRS 15,28 CHURCH 18,99

WAREHOUSE 5,56 TOTAL 482,61m²

PORCH 1 72,68

PORCH 2 120,55

TOTAL 193,23 m²

- FIRST FLOOR

LOUNGE AREA ( m²) LIVING ROOM 43,50

DISTRIBUTOR 1 28,71 DISTRIBUTOR 2 16,14

BEDROOM 1 24,08 WASHROOM D1 6,49


BEDROOM 3 14,78 WASHROOM D3.1 2,18 WASHROOM D3.2 1,37

ROOM 18,31 BEDROOM 4 21,97

WASHROOM D4 7,14 STAIRS 4,24

TOTAL 226,72m²

TERRACE 238,31 m²

- SECOND FLOOR

LOUNGE AREA ( m²) DISTRIBUTOR 1 31,34 DISTRIBUTOR 2 16,14 DISTRIBUTOR 3 10,05 MAIN BEDROOM 41,67 WASHROOMDP 17,15

TOILET DP 1,65 ROOM DP 11,22



LAUNDRY 12,04 BEDROOM 3 22,81

WASHROOM D3 3,55 TOTAL 224,22m²

TOTAL USEFUL FLOOR: 940,26m² TOTAL FLOOR AREA: 1002,42 m²

PORCH: 193,23 m² PORCH: 96,30m²

TERRACE: 238,31m² TERRACE: 147,34 m²


7

1.4 USES OF THE MASÍA

This property was covered in hectares of vineyards due to its use in the production of wine in the nineteenth century. Products were stored in the winery adjacent to the main house.

On the other hand, in relation Mr. Olivella’s story, and after having to sell various items due to gambling debts incurred in the casino, the Civil War began (1936-1939) and the house was converted into an orphanage.

Currently, this work of art is ideal for lectures, recordings, photo sessions, weddings and vacations.

In June 2011 Joker Productions developed a German Television program known as Top Models. The models stayed in the farmhouse during the program.

Additional uses of the farmhouse are the execution of conferences both internally and externally. Conference organizers implement access to the property via bus, mini-bus, car or taxi.

In October of 2011, the textile company "La Mallorquina" selected farm for its catalogue in the spring of 2012. The Arabic style fully corresponded with the combination of the new collection.

The grounds and rooms of different character were interesting elements of fabrics provided by this company

Television Filming

Magazine Catalog

Comfortable


8

Main facade

Lounge 2

Pool

Garden


9

Weddings are also performed here. Due to the masia’s numerous facilities and contracted catering service, the farmhouse is a dream come true for those who want to have an unforgettable day.

According to the information provided by John during his interview, this house is also used as a vacation house for national and international clients.

Various estates throughout the world share information about this luxurious and striking place so that individuals from every culture and background can enjoy and learn about Vilanova i la Geltrú’s heritage.

Below is a clipping of a brochure in which different prices are displayed depending on the use. The use of English here verifies the international approach.

Wedding Celbration

Meeting in the Garden


10

- Title: Masies de Barcelona, Editorial: ANGLE (2009), Barcelona

Bibliography

- Title: Masies que cal coneixer, Editorial: ACCAT i Barcanova (2004)

- John Duffi, businessman and owner of la farmhouse Can Xicarró. Contributed a large amount of written and oral information for the development of the PFG

- Debbie, chairwoman of the farm Can Xicarró. Contributed information to the project

- UPC Commons. Portal of open access knowledge of the UPC

www.Bibliotecnica.upc.edu- Library UPC

www.catastro.meh.es- Virtual office of Catastro

www.google.es- Search engine

www.vilanova.cat- Town hall of Vilanova I la Geltrú

www.canxicarro.com- The farmhouse Can Xicarró

www.grupalvid.cat- Manager of the restoration of the farmhouse Can Xicarró

www.lamallorquina.com- Decorative magazines

www.epseb.upc.edu- Higher Polytechnic Architectural School of Barcelona

www.bodas.net- Wedding celebrations

After analyzing and assessing this project (PFG) I have come to the conclusion that it was a satisfactory and an enriching experience.

Conclusions

Due to the large amount of hours that led to its development, this project has forced me to be more consistent, organized and responsible at the time of taking decisions.

Graphically linking the different measures that I gathered in this field has been one of the most difficult tasks of this entire process. However, the interest and enthusiasm of implementing all the knowledge that I have gained during my years in the university have allowed this project to emerge as an element of astonishing cultural heritage.

I hope that this project, just as it has for me, will aid others and act as a reference for those who decide to carry out a PFG focused on farmhouse in Catalonia.

It is also worth noting that this style was a new discovery for me. Therefore, I encourage people to observe it in detail and to take risks by creating new styles, as complicated as it may seem. Doing this would enrich us all and would allow for creating new works of art such as this, works that are not forgotten about over the years.

It is necessary to consider that the preservation of cultural heritage contributes to sustainable development and qualitative economic and social wellbeing of a community such as Vilanova I La Geltrú. Therefore, with the purpose of protecting this heritage, the commitment and support of city councils is essential.

Lack of support has caused owners, such as John, to feel helpless in their efforts to maintain and prosper in the development of projects such as these.

These types of structures, compared with those made to date, are much more complex and satisfactory since the elements that form them are filled with magic and harmony.

Currently the materials used are common and the forms are simpler.

To finish, I would like to say that it has been a great pleasure and satisfaction to have met and been exposed to teachers, peers, and matter of such a high level.

First of all I would like to thank Benet Meca for her help and advice throughout this project.

Acknowledgments

On the other hand, I would like to thank John Duffi, owner of the estate, for his kindness and trust, and for allowing me develop this project with total freedom in the farmhouse Can Xicarró housing estate. An additional thanks goes to Debbie and Samuel, the staff working on the property, for their dedication and attention each day.

Additionally, the Academy Sánchez-Casal played and important role in this project, especially Antonio Hernandez. Thank you for your help, concern, kindness and trust.

Finally, I would like to thank my family, especially my parents, brother and girlfriend for their attention, help, patience, understanding, trust and care.

The final draft of the project can be found on CD in two PDF files. One file contains the part that corresponds with the minor and the other file contains graphic documentation.

Content of the CD

PFG_MEMORIA_ MASÍA_ CAN_XICARRÓ.PDF

PFG_DOCUMENTACIÓN_GRÁFICA_ MASÍA_CAN_XICARRÓ.PDF

PFG_MEMORIA_MASÍA_CAN_XICARRÓ_INGLÉS.PDF

http://www.bibliotecnica.upc.edu/�

http://www.catastro.meh.es/�

http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:h0isr6jDwIIJ:ovc.catastro.meh.es/+oficina+virtual+del+catastro&cd=1&hl=es&ct=clnk&gl=es�

http://www.google.es/search?hl=es&q=related:ovc.catastro.meh.es/+oficina+virtual+del+catastro&tbo=1&sa=X&ei=TZDPT8v0LIGM0wWJt6XKCw&ved=0CBcQHzAA�

http://www.google.es-/�

http://www.vilanova.cat-/�

http://www.canxicarro.com-/�

http://www.grupalvid.cat-/�

http://www.lamallorquina.com-/�

http://www.epseb.upc.edu-/�

http://www.bodas.net-/�

farmhouse can xicarrÓ

Documents