El Trull CV Oil Mill by Alventosa Morell Arquitectes

Set within the rolling olive groves of Les Garrigues, Catalonia, El Trull CV Oil Mill by Alventosa Morell Arquitectes is an architectural project deeply rooted in the land it inhabits. Conceived as a contemporary counterpart to a winery, the oil mill is dedicated to the production of high-quality organic olive oil harvested from more than 70 hectares of surrounding farmland. Rather than imposing a new object onto the landscape, the project seeks to disappear into it—embracing the topography, materials, and agricultural memory of the Cuadrat Valley to create a building that is as much terrain as architecture.

A Landscape Shaped by Olive Trees and Stone Terraces

The site is defined by a distinctive hilly terrain, shaped over centuries through the construction of dry-stone terraces that enabled olive cultivation on steep slopes. These terraces, built using stone extracted directly from the land, form a cultural landscape where agriculture and geology are inseparable. The chosen location sits atop a hill formed by residual terraces with limited agricultural potential, yet remarkable spatial qualities.

Two sculptural rock formations crown the site, framing 360-degree panoramic views across the valley. From this elevated point, the entire estate unfolds visually—olive fields, forests, and stone walls forming a continuous agricultural tapestry. This setting became central to the architectural strategy, guiding both the placement and form of the new oil mill.

Designing Without Altering the Landscape’s Memory

From the outset, the architects understood that the challenge extended far beyond accommodating production processes. The true task was to design a building that would preserve the secular values of the landscape, avoiding visual dominance or ecological disruption. The solution emerged through a dual strategy that balances concealment and expression.

Approximately 90% of the building is embedded within the terrain, following the logic of the existing terraces. The oil mill’s program is arranged in staggered levels, adapting precisely to the slope and restoring the original dry-stone walls, which now function as the building’s façades. This approach allows the architecture to remain largely invisible from a distance, reinforcing the continuity of the agricultural landscape.

Architecture as Topography: Buried Volumes and Green Roofs

By burying the majority of the structure, the project transforms architecture into inhabited topography. Roofs become accessible green surfaces planted with native vegetation and olive trees, while stone façades align parallel to the contours of the hill. The building does not interrupt the terrain; instead, it extends its logic.

This integration enables the oil mill to benefit from the thermal inertia of the earth, maintaining a stable internal temperature of approximately 18°C throughout the year. As a result, optimal environmental conditions for olive oil production are achieved with minimal reliance on mechanical cooling systems, significantly reducing energy consumption and operational emissions.

The Reception Pavilion: A Light Landmark Among Rocks

In contrast to the buried production spaces, the remaining 10% of the building takes on a markedly different role. Positioned at the summit between the two existing rock formations, the reception pavilion is the project’s only visible volume. This space serves as a visitor reception, tasting area, and starting point for guided tours, acting as a threshold between landscape and architecture.

The pavilion is conceived as a neutral, lightweight structure that avoids domestic references. Its organic form responds directly to the morphology of the surrounding rocks, with a curved concrete roof tracing the contours of the natural setting. A continuous glass façade—free from parallel planes—opens the interior to uninterrupted panoramic views, allowing visitors to experience the valley in its entirety while remaining sheltered.

Materiality, Sustainability, and Circular Construction

Material choices are guided by principles of sustainability, locality, and restraint. The project relies almost exclusively on Km-0 materials, reusing stone excavated during construction to rebuild all dry-stone walls and employing the extracted earth for green roof systems. Native vegetation completes the cycle, ensuring ecological continuity.

By reducing the use of unnecessary materials and leaving portions of the excavated rock exposed, the architects emphasize both material honesty and environmental performance. The visible rock surfaces become structural, climatic, and aesthetic elements—anchoring the building physically and conceptually to the land.

Conclusion

El Trull CV Oil Mill stands as a powerful example of architecture that serves production while honoring place. Through burial, material reuse, and careful spatial differentiation, Alventosa Morell Arquitectes create a building that amplifies the experience of landscape rather than competing with it. The project achieves a rare balance—combining agricultural efficiency, environmental responsibility, and architectural expression—ultimately transforming olive oil production into a deeply immersive spatial and cultural experience.

Photography: Adrià Goula