VII DECADA PRIZE 2006

(Works completed in 1996)

Jury: Glenn Murcutt

(Pritzker Architecture Prize 2002)

Winning work: Vivienda unifamiliar, casa Triginer
Architect: Carlos Ferrater

 

JUROR'S REPORT:
" The winning entry, I’m happy to announce is the house designed by Mr. Carlos Ferrater and Joan Guibernau, for Mr. Jordi Triginer, located in Vallvidrera.

 

Most architecture awards honour the authors and their works within one year of the completion of construction.

 

The Oscar Tusquets Blanca Década award reminds us that wonderful architecture remains relevant through time even when fashions run their course. This award provides us with a window beyond the immediate.

 

The vernacular town and villages or Europe, the works of architects like Gaudí, Coderch, Barragan, Chareau, Aalto, Lewerentz, Corbusier, Fehn and others, continue to hold our attention with their works being completed long ago.

 

The great architect Luis Barragan said “any work of architecture that is designed without serenity in mind is in my view a mistake and when serenity possesses joy it is ultimate”.

 

The winning project in this case fulfils Barragan’s words.

 

In reviewing the 2006 Década submissions I considered what I refer to as “the ings of things” related to each building type such as siting, responding, observing, designing, planning, orienting, conserving, proportioning, assembling, lighting, venting, heating, cooling, insulating, constructing, completing - arriving, entering, experiencing, living, celebrating, entertaining, preparing, cooking, participating, communicating, departing - sleeping,  awakening, bathing, dressing, and the many other such “ings of things” that make up daily experiences and living.

 

This house is located with a commanding views over Barcelona with the flexible courtyard and deck spaces oriented to capitalise on this special outlook and enjoy the summer breezes. The architect has established a platform at level two containing the main living spaces that make the solution appear simple on this most complex steep site, however we know that simplicity is the other face of complexity! The internal spaces weave effortlessly with the external landscaped and timber slatted sun screened areas.

 

This building addresses the climatic conditions responding to the seasonal variations, allowing for the inclusion of natural light, sunshine, ventilation, heating and cooling.

 

The materials used have been responsibly selected, including wood for the  structure, flooring, wall and ceiling linings and largely addressing many of the ecological issues facing our profession today.

 

Mies van der Rohe said that “with every good building there was a very good client”.

 

The commissioning client Mr. Jordi Triginer has lovingly cared for his building and its environment for 10 years without making alterations. The furniture and furnishings are fully integrated with the architecture, something we architects find not always achievable.

 

This is a modern work that is standing the test of time, it is serene, rational and worthy of the 2006 Década award".

 

Glenn Murcutt

Barcelona May 2006

 

The winning work is above. Below, Glenn Murcutt with Oscar Tusquets visiting the short-listed work. With the owner of the winning work. The trustees Johnny Regás and Ana Beristain dining with Glenn Murcutt. A group photograph with all the trustees, their partners and some friends at Marian Puig's home. Finally, the award ceremony at the Petit Palau de la Música Catalana.