A new study has officially added a rustic chalet nestled deep in the forests of the Catalan pre-Pyrenees to Antoni Gaudí’s portfolio, settling a century-old debate over its origins. Researchers confirmed “objectively and unequivocally” that the ‘Xalet del Catllaràs’, located near La Pobla de Lillet, was designed by the celebrated modernist architect.
The verification, announced on Wednesday, is the result of a comprehensive analysis commissioned by the Catalan government’s Department of Culture. The findings add a significant, if remote, entry to the canon of works by the architect whose visionary structures, like the Sagrada Família, define Barcelona’s cityscape. This confirmation arrives just ahead of the ‘Any Gaudí 2026’ events, which will commemorate the centenary of the architect’s death.
The chalet was built between 1901 and 1908 on behalf of Gaudí’s great patron, the industrialist Eusebi Güell. It was designed to house engineers and technicians working at the nearby Catllaràs coal mines, which supplied fuel for Güell’s Asland cement factory in Castellar de n’Hug. For decades, the building’s design was attributed to Gaudí based on local lore and historical association, but definitive proof remained elusive.
The Architect’s Hidden Signature
Galdric Santana, director of the Gaudí Chair at the Polytechnic University of Catalonia (UPC) and curator for the upcoming Gaudí Year commemorations, led the research. The study, first reported by Catalan News, found Santana’s team identified several of Gaudí’s unmistakable architectural trademarks by comparing the chalet’s original plans with his other known works.
Key among these is the use of a parabolic, or catenary, arch. This distinctive curved form, which Gaudí employed for its unique structural strength and elegance, was a recurring motif in his work. Santana noted that the feature was so innovative for its time that the builders apparently lacked confidence in its stability.
“This form was so bold and so new, that those who built the building didn’t trust it and added load-bearing walls,” Santana explained.
The study also highlighted a “similar constructive perspective” to other Gaudí projects, pointing to elements like the use of 45-degree distributors for access between rooms and evidence of a corner cloister vault, which is now missing. These details, Santana argues, are part of the “unique techniques and methodologies” that serve as Gaudí’s structural signature.
A Design Disowned
One central mystery the study addresses is why Gaudí never publicly claimed authorship of the chalet. Santana suggests that he only designed the project and did not personally oversee its construction. At the turn of the 20th century, commissions inundated the Reus-born architect, including major projects like Park Güell and Casa Batlló, which forced him to delegate supervision of smaller works.
The construction of the Xalet del Catllaràs diverged from Gaudí’s original vision, with significant modifications made on-site. “The result was not what he had drawn,” Santana stated, adding that it was common practice for architects of the era to disavow projects that were not executed faithfully to their plans.
For Santana, the chalet represents a fascinating paradox. “You could say that it is a minor work, but what really synthesizes this project is Gaudí’s way of thinking,” he remarked. The chalet’s remote, unregulated location offered Gaudí “complete freedom” to apply his philosophy of modern architecture, unconstrained by urban planning rules.
Justice for a Local Treasure
For the residents of La Pobla de Lillet, this verification brings long-awaited recognition. Town mayor Enric Pla stated the study brings “justice” and finally certifies “what the people of the town have always known.”
The chalet is not the only Gaudí landmark in the area. The town is also home to the enchanting Artigas Gardens, another work attributed to the architect, which he reportedly designed as a gift to the Artigas family after staying with them while working on the chalet. The council hopes to secure official certification for the gardens as well, though the mayor has indicated this is unlikely to be completed by 2026.
With its authorship confirmed, the local council plans to convert the municipally-owned Xalet del Catllaràs into a mountain refuge. This move aims to “guarantee its conservation,” ensuring the architecturally significant building remains in good condition and is “visitable by everyone.”
