Interior designers Serge Castella and Jason Flinn breathe new life into a 1970s Catalan landmark perched above the sea. By restoring its original architectural intent and embracing its ship-like character, they transform a timeworn structure into a serene and evocative holiday retreat.
Catalan Icon from the 1970s Gets a Retirement That Reveals Its Ship-like Soul
A Modernist Landmark Reclaimed
Perched dramatically on a rocky outcrop along the Costa Brava, a 1970s architectural icon has been carefully restored into a tranquil holiday retreat by interior designers Serge Castella and Jason Flinn. Originally designed by Estudio BDM, the house is a striking example of Mediterranean modernism—its white geometry and sculptural volumes shaped by wind, sea, and time. Upon first encounter, Castella immediately recognized the home’s significance and potential, describing it simply: “A boat. This house is a boat.”
Restoring Essence, Not Reinventing
Despite decades of exposure to sea air and ill-considered renovations, the home’s structural integrity remained intact. Previous interventions—ranging from dated flooring to ornamental excess—had obscured its original spirit. The designers approached the project with restraint, focusing on removing these layers rather than adding new ones. Their philosophy was clear: preserve what works and allow the architecture to speak for itself.
A Vertical Journey Through Space and Sea
The reimagined layout unfolds across three levels connected by a central staircase carved into the rock. This vertical circulation enhances the home’s relationship with the sea, which becomes a constant visual and emotional presence. The upper level features a luminous living room defined by circular, porthole-like windows and expansive openings, creating the sensation of inhabiting a ship’s hull.
Curated Interiors with a Mediterranean Soul
Inside, the design is intentionally minimal yet deeply expressive. Carefully selected furnishings—including a walnut table from the 1960s, Italian rattan chairs, and iconic lighting—create a dialogue between eras and materials. Artistic elements and handcrafted pieces further anchor the home within its regional context.
Outdoor Living Reimagined
The exterior was subtly reworked to prioritize outdoor living. By reducing the size of the pool, the designers expanded the terrace, encouraging a more generous and immersive connection to the surrounding landscape. The result is a seamless transition between interior and exterior spaces.
A Palette Rooted in Place
The color scheme draws directly from the Mediterranean environment: deep blues, sunlit yellows, crisp whites, and natural greens. This restrained palette enhances the home’s calm atmosphere while reinforcing its connection to the sea and terrain.
Design as Respect
With over two decades of experience in the region, Castella and Flinn demonstrate that the most powerful design gesture can be restraint. By honoring the original architecture and its setting, they reveal the home’s enduring identity—proving that true transformation often lies in rediscovery rather than reinvention.
