Casa Pere Company, nestled at the intersection of Casanova and Buenos Aires streets in Barcelona, is a stunning example of modernist architecture that captures the imagination with its intricate design and historical significance. Designed by the renowned architect Josep Puig i Cadafalch in 1911, this building stands as a testament to the artistic and cultural vibrancy of early 20th-century Barcelona.
The Casa Pere Company originally boasted four facades, but the construction of a neighboring building on Casanova Street led to the loss of part of its original structure and garden. Despite this, the building retains its charm with three facades, each offering a glimpse into the architectural brilliance of Puig i Cadafalch. The structure includes a basement, ground floor, main floor, second floor, and attic, all enveloped by a garden that provides a serene escape from the bustling city.
The building's roof is a masterpiece in itself, featuring a large, sloping design with wooden eaves supported by corbels. The chimneys, adorned with ceramic inlays, add a touch of whimsy and elegance to the overall aesthetic. Access to the house is from Buenos Aires Street, where the garden unfurls. This entrance is marked by a two-story projection framed by robust columns, leading to a stone staircase that bridges the height difference between the garden and the ground floor.
Upon entering through the main door, visitors are greeted by a small vestibule housing the reception of the Sports Museum. This leads to a secondary vestibule that serves as a hub for accessing different floors and rooms. The woodwork here, including doors and windows with colorful stained glass, is a highlight. A wooden staircase begins in one corner, leading to the second floor, which now hosts the museum's offices and administration.
The main floor is a labyrinth of rooms and spaces forming part of the museum's exhibition route. Among them, the northernmost room stands out with its rectangular shape and ornate plaster and wood moldings. This room takes advantage of the corner location, featuring a semicircular bay window offering views of the street. Notably, a grand triple-windowed bay with columns graces one of the longer walls, while a sliding door with pilasters connects to another large room housing a fireplace, a remnant of Puig i Cadafalch's original design.
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The facade of Casa Pere Company is a visual delight, adorned with sgraffito and garlands inspired by classicism against a nearly white background. This design places the house within what Alexandre Cirici i Pellicer termed the white period, characterized by the use of white stucco and minimal ornamentation. The only decorative elements besides the garlands are the Assumption group on the Buenos Aires Street pediment by Manuel Fontanals, and the intricate wrought ironwork of the windows and balconies, crafted by Manuel Ballarín.
The genesis of Casa Pere Company dates back to 1911 when Pere Company i Molins commissioned Puig i Cadafalch to design a chalet-style home on a plot acquired by his wife, Maria Company i Puig. This project was part of a series of rustic, secessionist-influenced residences for the upper class, characterized by white stucco facades and bright interiors. Although the house was proposed for the 1911 annual artistic buildings competition by the Barcelona City Council, the award went to another of Puig i Cadafalch's works, the Casaramona factory.
Over the years, Casa Pere Company underwent several transformations. In the 1920s, the Company family sold the house to Dolors Catarineu, who commissioned architect Enric Sagnier for renovations. During the Spanish Civil War, religious-themed sgraffito on the facade was whitewashed, and the house served as the headquarters for the Police Identification Cabinet. Post-war, the building became a gynecological clinic under Dr. Melcior Colet, who further expanded the structure.
In 1981, Dr. Colet donated the house to the city of Barcelona to establish a sports museum. Architect Joan Bassegoda i Nonell led the renovation, restoring the facade's sgraffito and original white color. The Museum and Study Center of Sport Doctor Melcior Colet opened in 1986, housing sports memorabilia and a library. Today, Casa Pere Company stands as a cultural beacon, inviting visitors to explore its rich history and architectural splendor.
In conclusion, Casa Pere Company is more than just a building; it's a journey through time, showcasing the artistic genius of Josep Puig i Cadafalch and the vibrant history of Barcelona. Its walls whisper stories of the past, making it an essential stop for anyone eager to delve into the city's architectural heritage.
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