Mas Vilanova

This project is part of a larger strategic proposal for Mas Vilanova’s built environment. The opportunity to materialise this intervention arose from our Master’s Final Project and close collaboration with the masovers. The presented documents are a summary of Ph. 1: the construction of a water reservoir & the creation of a poultry breeding enclosure.

The opportunity to materialise this intervention arose from our Master’s Final Project. Our initial intention was to reach a 1:1 scale. This goal, together with our close collaboration with the masovers –the farm tenants, Sandra & Albert– throughout the whole process, was key to designing systems that would fit into the landscape patterns of Mas Vilanova, as well as encouraging its agroforestry mosaics and biodiversity.\nOur project is part of a larger strategic proposal for the recovery and restoration of Mas Vilanova’s built environment. Our goal was to optimise the water management and the poultry breeding system. This part of the project consisted of channelling all surplus water coming from the old water deposit tank for fire protection –which until then had been wasted– and storing it in a new water reservoir located close to the orchard. In conjunction with the water system, we also designed a new poultry enclosure to improve the breeding of animals for home consumption, which complies with the ecological livestock standards.\nTo control the different construction times of this self-built project, we designated three operational phases. Phase one was the creation of the poultry breeding enclosure; followed by the construction of the irrigation reservoir, and a final phase to connect the water deposit to the irrigation reservoir. This connection is made via a trough for livestock and a canal that will be used to irrigate crops. We believe this project goes beyond the mere constructed object. It is a collective process in which a great number of people have participated, and without their help, it wouldn’t have become a reality. It is thanks to this collective collaboration that we have been able to transcend the mere academic level, and achieve the full-scale.