From The Outside, This Is An Old Shut Down Cement Factory. But Go Inside And… WHOA!

From The Outside, This Is An Old Shut Down Cement Factory. But Go Inside And… WHOA!

No, this isn’t just an old factory, crumbling to pieces. It used to be a cement factory, sure, but now this sprawling structure is the incredible home of architect Ricardo Bofill. He discovered The Cement Factory in 1973 and it was completely abandoned (and partially in ruins). It couldn’t have looked like much, but Ricardo saw its true potential. He bought it and began renovating. He turned it into something you can barely recognize as the factory it used to be.

When Ricardo purchased the factory in 1973, it looked like this.

Over the course of two years, the architect completely transformed the industrial building located in Barcelona, Spain.

Ricardo Bofill

The total floor area is over 3,100 square meters.

Ricardo Bofill

The original industrial complex included over 30 silos, huge machine rooms and underground structures.

Ricardo Bofill

He designed it to be the headquarters of the Taller de Arquitectura, but it also includes his own living quarters and guest rooms.

Ricardo Bofill

Some of the original complex was torn down.

Ricardo Bofill

“Eight silos remained, which became offices, a models laboratory, archives, a library, a projections room and a gigantic space known as ‘The Cathedral’, used for exhibitions.”

Ricardo Bofill

The many different elements within this gorgeous building complex are all striking.

Ricardo Bofill

Ultra-modern mixes with luxurious and lush accents…

Ricardo Bofill

Some rooms seem both elegant and mysterious.

Ricardo Bofill

One feels like they are transported between worlds as they walk through this masterpiece.

Ricardo Bofill

Each space truly has its own unique set of characteristics.

Ricardo Bofill

Ricardo currently works and lives at the factory, a place he loves.

Ricardo Bofill

“To be an architect means to understand space, to understand space organized by man, to decipher the spontaneous movements and behavior of people, and to detect the needs of change that they might unconsciously express. It is essential to track down these issues if we want to contribute with our personal work to the history of architecture.” -Ricardo Bofill

Ricardo Bofill

Even more stunning than the inside of this old factory is the outside. Immense and beautiful gardens surround the entire area.

Ricardo Bofill

This structure seems almost magical as you walk through it, with each room changing in purpose, size, shape and character. You could lose yourself inside of this building; we can see why Ricardo chooses to both work and live here. Wow.