Was it truly possible for a building to wink? Casa Calvet, before us, almost seems to do just that. Antoni Gaudí designed this building for a textile manufacturer in 1900. Pere Màrtir Calvet commissioned the house. He wanted to combine his business and family life. Calvet used the upper floors as his private residence. He set up his business premises in the basement and ground floor.
Casa Calvet may seem conservative at first glance. Yet, it holds many surprises. Gaudí collaborated with assistants to complete this project. They were Francisco Berenguer, Juan Rubió, and Juli Batllevell. This was Gaudí’s first built project in the Eixample of Barcelona. The Barcelona City Council awarded Casa Calvet the prize for the best building in 1900.
Look closely at the facade. Do you notice the symmetry? It is unusual for Gaudí. Casa Calvet is considered one of his most conventional works. However, modernista elements are still present. The curves, double gable, and projecting oriel add flair. Witty details are scattered throughout.
Consider the columns flanking the entrance. They are stacked bobbins. This alludes to the Calvet family’s textile business. Above the oriel, mushrooms hint at the owner’s hobby. These details showcase Gaudí’s attention to detail.
Notice the balconies. Bulging balconies alternate with smaller ones. The wrought ironwork is incredible. Lluís Permanyer described the ground-level gallery as daring. It combines wrought iron and stone. Decorative elements include a cypress, an olive tree, horns of plenty, and the Catalan coat of arms.
Three sculpted heads sit at the top. One represents Sant Pere Màrtir Calvet I Carbonell, the owner’s father. The other two are patron saints of Vilassar, Andreu Calvet’s hometown. These sculptures honor the Calvet family’s history.
Gaudí’s passions influenced his work. These included architecture, nature, and religion. He integrated crafts into his architecture. Ceramics, stained glass, and wrought ironwork are all present. He also introduced new techniques. One example is trencadís. This technique used waste ceramic pieces.
Casa Calvet stands as a testament to Gaudí’s genius. It blends tradition with innovation. It is a unique piece of Barcelona’s architectural heritage. The building’s subtle details and clever design make it truly special. As we move on, remember the winking facade. Remember the story of the Calvet family woven into the stone.