An architectural gem

The architect has taken details, and a formal language, from both the vernalular tradition including pitched, tiled roofs, chimneys, granite retaining walls, balconies, pathways and narrow flights og steps typical of the region, and set them in a thoroughly modernist langvawe of organic composition reminicent of Alvar Aalto, and Corbusier particularly with respect to the, overall design dicipline, cranked walls, and diagonal fireplaces. It is deliberately and carefully designed yet with a spirit of informalty and extraordinary invention and variety.The village also has a concept of lending each house a spirit of privacy together with a sense of community.

This is an architectural gem.

From an earlier era Portmarion, where an Italian hill village (such as for instance Todi in Umbria), was mentally dismantled and reassembled tumbling down to an estuary in a Welch coastal setting, with a five star hotel at its focus, the dream of the architect Clough Williams-Ellis, is resonant of this complex. Portmarion incorporates, besides a hotel, small exclusive shops, private housing and apartments.
The scale of the Village Catalan, though smaller is for me no less interesting and even more astounding.

Joe Collins
United Kingdom
October 1999