Irrigation Reservoir Bassa D.O. Alella, An irrigation pool that can be used as a swimming pool. This commission is in a privileged location amongst vineyards, with views of the nearby chapel and the sea. These vines are part of the Alella Designation of Origin, one of the smallest DOs in Spain in the Maresme region.
© Borja Ballbé
The implantation in this historic estate presents several dilemmas and one goal: go unnoticed. The shape of the pool is a rectangle of 4.6×19 meters that sits between two rows of vines. Its dimensions are limited by the distance between rows in order to eliminate the minimum number of ancient vines.
© Borja Ballbé
By placing the volume between two terraces we create access from below to the machine room.
© Borja Ballbé
A staircase at the side of the construction connects both levels and provides access to the solarium. Rough cement plaster mixed with the soil of the site and stacked brick floor are the new materials of the project.
© Borja Ballbé
The pool is painted with a deep red color, thus, like Jesus, the water is transformed into wine in order to have the feeling of being inside a red wine glass. As we swim, all we see are the vines framing the church bell tower and the sky.
Project Info
Architects: Pineda Monedero
Country: Spain
Area: 90 m²
Year: 2022
Photographs: Borja Ballbé
Structure: Xavier Gimferrer Vilaplana
Technical Architect: Josep Lluís Reventós
Sophie Tremblay is a Montreal-based architectural editor and designer with a focus on sustainable urban development. A McGill University architecture graduate, she began her career in adaptive reuse, blending modern design with historical structures. As a Project Editor at Arch2O, she curates stories that connect traditional practice with forward-thinking design. Her writing highlights architecture's role in community engagement and social impact. Sophie has contributed to Canadian Architect and continues to collaborate with local studios on community-driven projects throughout Quebec, maintaining a hands-on approach that informs both her design sensibility and editorial perspective.