Casa Rovira: The Great Calm

Casa Rovira is much more than an architectural landmark. For our family, it has always been a place of memories, tranquillity and connection with the Mediterranean landscape.

Our father, Joaquín Rovira, was born in Canet de Mar and spent his childhood there before moving to Barcelona to pursue his university studies. From an early age, he dreamed of building a house on the cliff overlooking the sea.

Years later, through hard work and perseverance, he was finally able to purchase the land at the top of the cliff, visible from the beach below.

At the time, he held senior management positions at the construction company Huarte y Cía., first as Director of the Catalonia division and later as General Manager. Through his professional work, he met the renowned architect José Antonio Coderch de Sentmenat. What began as a professional relationship eventually developed into a close friendship.

There is a family anecdote that perfectly reflects Coderch's confidence in the site. On his first visit to the property, he reportedly remarked that, "if a good project did not emerge here, it would be entirely the architect's fault."

Construction of the house began in 1967 and was completed in 1969.

During the design process, both Coderch and our father were determined to make the most of the spectacular location. They envisioned a large terrace extending dramatically over the cliff, creating the sensation of being suspended above the Mediterranean.

The result is a luminous and fluid interior where architecture and landscape merge seamlessly. Large sliding shutters allow the space to be opened or closed according to the weather and desired level of privacy, while preserving uninterrupted views of the sea and horizon.

In the early 1980s, the property was expanded after our parents acquired the neighbouring plot. Their intention was to strengthen the connection between the house and the mature pine grove that surrounds it.

José Antonio Coderch began studying the extension, but sadly passed away before construction could begin. The work was subsequently completed by his son, architect José Antonio Coderch Giménez.

This addition introduced a spacious living room with fireplace, a greenhouse, and a covered terrace. More importantly, it created a stronger relationship between the upper level of the house and the gardens beyond, allowing residents to enjoy both sweeping Mediterranean views and the shade of the century-old pine trees.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Casa Rovira is that it has remained within the same family since its completion. Only our family has ever lived here. First our parents, and today the second and third generations: their children and grandchildren.

The serenity of the house, the sound of the sea, and the sense of peace that surrounds it make it easy to disconnect from everyday life. Decades of summers, family gatherings and shared experiences have created a powerful emotional bond with the place. Even today, simply thinking of the house immediately brings a feeling of relaxation, happiness and home.

For our family, however, its greatest achievement has never been its architectural recognition. It is the ability to make every generation slow down, breathe deeply and feel at home. That is why, to us, Casa Rovira will always be known simply as “La Gran Calma” - The Great Calm.