The Alfacs campsite, located near Alcanar in Tarragona, Spain, has undergone a series of renovations that highlight a thoughtful approach to architecture.
The Barcelona-based architectural studio Bajet Giramé, led by Pau Bajet and Maria Giramé, has worked on transforming the site since 2016 in collaboration with Manuel Julià of JAAS. Their focus has been on creating a space that centers on well-being and offers an unexpected, joyful experience for visitors.
The renovation process has been done in phases, with each phase completed within six months to allow the business to remain operational.
Originally opened in the 1950s, the Alfacs campsite consists of 24 timber cabins, each with a porch, shared facilities such as showers and toilets, a reception and grocery shop, a restaurant, communal gardens, and a pool. The site’s layout, which overlooks the sea, allows for stunning views throughout the grounds.
The architects have preserved much of the natural environment, including existing pine trees that provide shade and help temper the hot Mediterranean climate.
The design also features stepped terraces that create varied spaces along the shoreline, with sinuous paths that guide visitors through the site.
One of the key design elements of the renovation was addressing the issue of caravans cluttering the shore. The architects pushed the bungalows towards the back of the property to free up the seafront, ensuring better access to the beach.
According to The Architectural Review, the design integrates both natural and architectural elements, with steel rods forming pergolas and wicker mats providing shade over the restaurant’s terrace.
The architects made use of timber and earth in their materials, turning to concrete and compressed earth blocks when needed.
The larger buildings on the site are constructed with concrete elements and earth blocks, offering a more permanent presence. The earth blocks help maintain cooler interior temperatures due to their high thermal mass.
The renovation of Alfacs is seen as a gradual process of adding layers, making the site feel more like a city than a typical campground.
The architects’ design emphasizes ecologies of space rather than a single overarching strategy, reintroducing vibrancy and warmth to the everyday experience of camping.
