El Trull CV
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El Trull CV
El Trull CV is an ecological oil mill located in the Catalan region of Les Garrigues—one of the most sparsely populated areas in the country. The project aims to generate new employment opportunities through the production of organic olive oil using an innovative industrial system, in a building designed and built according to ecological and sustainable principles.
The chosen site, a series of disused terraces with deteriorated stone walls, was transformed through two complementary strategies. First, 90% of the building is semi-buried, adapting to the existing terraces and reusing the old stone walls as façades. In doing so, the project integrates with the topography and the area’s agricultural logic, while green roofs with native flora and olive trees help restore the landscape.
The only visible volume—the reception pavilion—sits at the top of the hill between two rock formations. With its organic geometry and lightweight construction, the space becomes a discreet landmark that responds to the site’s morphology without imposing on it.
The use of locally sourced natural materials was key. All the stone used in the walls comes from the excavation itself, as does the soil for the green roofs. This reuse not only reduces the environmental impact of the construction, but also strengthens the building’s connection to its immediate surroundings.
By exposing the rock and taking advantage of its thermal mass, the interior maintains a stable temperature of 18 °C year-round, greatly reducing the need for active cooling. As a result, the project ensures optimal conditions for olive oil production, combining energy efficiency, sustainability, and a strong sense of place.