Farmhouse Can Xicarró

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

AUTHOR: SERGIO LÓPEZ BAREA

BUILDING ENGINEERING TUTOR: BENET MECA ACOSTA FINAL DEGREE PROJECT CALL: OCTOBER 2012

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

Memory Municipio de Vilanova i la 1. THE FARM HOUSE CAN XICARRÓ Geltrú

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 Vilanova I la Geltrú could be highlighted as a coastal municipality, with an extension of 33.5 km² property is located. The constructed surface area of the plot according to the cadastre is 1585m² and a population of 66,782 inhabitants. It is located halfway between two major metropolitan areas and in its entirety the housing consists of 937m ². (40Km from Barcelona and 45 km from Tarragona).

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

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

Situation of the

municipality

Situation in

Catalonia

Farmhouse Can Xicarró Vilanova i la Geltrú

1.2 HISTORICAL LOCATION 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. 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, 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. 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.

Evolution of the Textile industry municipality

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 At the present moment, the municipality is known as a pioneer of the fishing activity and is territory with the start of American trade. This led to a cultural investment, along with a creation of highlighted as one of the most important of Catalonia. This does not mean that Vilanova i la Geltrú meeting points and other sources of entertainment. The city brought about a great economic will not continue to devote to agriculture, tertiary sector and services. 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. Photo of the nineteenth

century Vilanova i la Geltrú

Farmhouse Can Xicarró Vilanova i la Geltrú

A IS USED AS AN A IS USED Í

NDAUGHTER WHO DIED BEFORE

THE FARMHOUSE CAN XICARR CAN THE FARMHOUSE HONOR OF OVIVELLA’S GRA HER TIME

-1842. THE PROPERTY HAS A NEW OWNER, MANUEL OLIVELLA I SAMÀ. -1905. LA FARM LOCATED IN THE HOMESTEAD XICARRÓ SELLS DELIVRY. MILK HOME ORFANAGE -2000. SCOTTISH BUSINESS MAN, JOHN DUFFI, BUYS THE PROPERTY AND RENOVATES IT -1688. RENOVATED THE MASÍA – NEOMUDEJAR STYLE-1688. RENOVATED THE MASÍA -1911. THEY NAME THE PROPERTY “VILLA ROSA” IN -1936-1939. SPANISH CIVIL WAR. THE MAS -1497. CONSTRUCTION OF THE MASÍA CAN XICARRÓ. XICARRÓ. THE MASÍA CAN -1497. CONSTRUCTION OF OWNER PERE BALLESTER -1570. THE MASÍA CAN XICARRÓ OWNED BY PERE ROSSELL

1510 1710 1810 1910 1610 1530 1730 1570 1770 1520 1720 1830 1580 1780 1870 1930 1560 1590 1630 1820 1670 1760 1790 1970 1880 1920 1540 1620 1680 1740 1860 1890 1980 1470 2010 1660 1690 1840 1960 1990 1480 1640 1940 1460 1490 1550 1750 1850 1850 1650 1950 2020 1450 1500 1700 1800 1900 1600 2000

95 O

2004. ATACK IN MADRID -

939 1914-1918- WORLD WAR I

1492. The Discovery of America

1888. UNVIERSAL EXPOSITION IN BARCELONA -

2001. 9/11 ATTACK OF THE WORLD TRADE CENTER NYC2001. - 9/11 ATTACK OF Historic Events

1992. CEBRATIONS OLYMPIC GAMES IN BARCELONA- OF THE

IN VILLANUEVA-EL FIRST THEATER 1804. PEDRO GUMÁERIGIÓ

1975. DEATH DE FRANCISCO FRANCO. JUAN CARLOS OF SPAIN I KING

Farmhouse Can Xicarró Vilanova i la Geltrú

1.3 THE BULDLING. LA MASÍA CAN XICARRÓ 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. 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 Hall 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

Farmhouse Can Xicarró Vilanova i la Geltrú

The kitchen is equipped with two refrigerators, two ovens, dishwasher, freezer and microwave. 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 Returning to the main entrance towards the left hand side, we find a large room used for meeting master suite known as the Sultan Suite thus allowing it to have spectacular views. 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.

Suite Sultán

Jacuzzi

Views f rom the Sultán

This floor also contains a laundry room.

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

Farmhouse Can Xicarró Vilanova i la Geltrú

1.3.2 SURFACES - FIRST FLOOR

The following is a more specific reference to the dimensions characterizing each of the plants LOUNGE AREA ( m²) LIVING ROOM 43,50 DISTRIBUTOR 1 28,71 DISTRIBUTOR 2 16,14 - BASEMENT BEDROOM 1 24,08 WASHROOM D1 6,49 BEDROOM 2 29,80 LOUNGE AREA ( m²) WASHROOM D2 8,01 BASEMENT 6,71 BEDROOM 3 14,78 TOTAL 6,71 m² WASHROOM D3.1 2,18 WASHROOM D3.2 1,37 ROOM 18,31 BEDROOM 4 21,97 WASHROOM D4 7,14 - GROUND FLOOR STAIRS 4,24 TOTAL 226,72m²

LOUNGE AREA ( m²) TERRACE 238,31 m² HALL 64,29

MUSIC ROOM 33,99 DINING ROOM 36,97 - SECOND FLOOR TOILET 1 3,70 KITCHEN 17,77 WAREHOUSE 4,54 LOUNGE AREA ( m²) WASH ZONE 12,74 DISTRIBUTOR 1 31,34 LIVING ROOM 55,13 DISTRIBUTOR 2 16,14 DISTRIBUTOR 3,48 DISTRIBUTOR 3 10,05 WASHROOM 5,10 MAIN BEDROOM 41,67 BEDROOM 12,46 WASHROOMDP 17,15 STAIRS 15,28 TOILET DP 1,65 ROOM DP 11,22 CHURCH 18,99 BEDROOM 1 27,14 WAREHOUSE 5,56 WASHROOM D1 5,28

TOTAL 482,61m² BEDROOM 2 20,61 PORCH 1 72,68 WASHROOM D2 3,62 LAUNDRY 12,04 PORCH 2 120,55 BEDROOM 3 22,81 TOTAL 193,23 m² 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

Farmhouse Can Xicarró Vilanova i la Geltrú

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.

Television Filming

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

Comfortable

Magazine Catalog

Farmhouse Can Xicarró Vilanova i la Geltrú

Main facade

Pool

Lounge 2 Garden

Farmhouse Can Xicarró Vilanova i la Geltrú

Weddings are also performed here. Due to the masia’s numerous facilities and contracted catering According to the information provided by John during his interview, this house is also used as a service, the farmhouse is a dream come true for those who want to have an unforgettable day. 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

Farmhouse Can Xicarró Vilanova i la Geltrú

Bibliography 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 - Title: Masies de Barcelona, Editorial: ANGLE (2009), Barcelona Geltrú. Therefore, with the purpose of protecting this heritage, the commitment and support of city councils is essential. - Title: Masies que cal coneixer, Editorial: ACCAT i Barcanova (2004) Lack of support has caused owners, such as John, to feel helpless in their efforts to maintain and - John Duffi, businessman and owner of la farmhouse Can Xicarró. Contributed a large amount of prosper in the development of projects such as these. written and oral information for the development of the PFG These types of structures, compared with those made to date, are much more complex and - Debbie, chairwoman of the farm Can Xicarró. Contributed information to the project satisfactory since the elements that form them are filled with magic and harmony.

- UPC Commons. Portal of open access knowledge of the UPC Currently the materials used are common and the forms are simpler. www.Bibliotecnica.upc.edu- Library UPC 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. www.catastro.meh.es- Virtual office of Catastro www.google.es- Search engine Acknowledgments www.vilanova.cat- Town hall of Vilanova I la Geltrú First of all I would like to thank Benet Meca for her help and advice throughout this project. www.canxicarro.com- The farmhouse Can Xicarró 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 www.grupalvid.cat- Manager of the restoration of the farmhouse Can Xicarró estate. An additional thanks goes to Debbie and Samuel, the staff working on the property, for their dedication and attention each day. www.lamallorquina.com- Decorative magazines Additionally, the Academy Sánchez-Casal played and important role in this project, especially www.epseb.upc.edu- Higher Polytechnic Architectural School of Barcelona Antonio Hernandez. Thank you for your help, concern, kindness and trust. www.bodas.net- Wedding celebrations Finally, I would like to thank my family, especially my parents, brother and girlfriend for their Conclusions attention, help, patience, understanding, trust and care.

After analyzing and assessing this project (PFG) I have come to the conclusion that it was a Content of the CD satisfactory and an enriching experience. The final draft of the project can be found on CD in two PDF files. One file contains the part that Due to the large amount of hours that led to its development, this project has forced me to be more corresponds with the minor and the other file contains graphic documentation. consistent, organized and responsible at the time of taking decisions. PFG_MEMORIA_ MASÍA_ CAN_XICARRÓ.PDF Graphically linking the different measures that I gathered in this field has been one of the most PFG_DOCUMENTACIÓN_GRÁFICA_ MASÍA_CAN_XICARRÓ.PDF 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 PFG_MEMORIA_MASÍA_CAN_XICARRÓ_INGLÉS.PDF 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.