La Ricarda, Casa Gomis
Designed by Catalan architect Antoni Bonet i Castellana for the Gomis Betrand family, “La Ricarda” (also known as the Casa Gomis),
is an archetype of mid-century modern design in the area.
Located in the town of Prat de Llobregat and backing on to a wide stretch of open coastline, the house is hidden amongst the pine trees
Originally designed in 1953, the house wasn’t completed until 1963. Bonet was living in Argentina at the time and directed the project remotely,
which resulted in a lengthy communication and construction process. Coincidently, the build was managed by Emilio Bofill, the father of Ricardo Bofill
The structure is composed of a series of vaulted ceilings, typical of the Catalan construction style.
Whilst the internal space is incredibly open, interior walls provide separation but stop short of full height, enabling light to disperse through the whole house.
The majority of furniture was also designed by the architect and custom made for the house.
A system of interlocking bricks each filled with different coloured glass, forms a main feature of the construction and can be seen throughout the house.
During the last 15 years of Franco’s Spain, Ricardo Gomis opened his home as a cultural refuge to some of the countries leading creative figures,
including Joan Miro and Antoni Tàpies. Standing in the dining room conjures up images of them having dinner around the vast wooden table.
