Situated on Avinguda Meritxell in Andorra la Vella, Casa Felipó epitomizes Andorra’s rich architectural legacy. Constructed in 1948, this important structure is now recognized as a protected asset within Andorra’s Cultural Heritage. Thought about by Barcelona architect Agustí Borrell and designed with great accuracy by Josep Mariné Mèlich, Escaldes-based contractor, Casa Felipó is a notable success in the development of regional architecture.
With eight stories plus a ground floor and mezzanine, the building’s architectural design marked a dramatic and bold departure from the traditional forms of that age. The urban surroundings of Andorra la Vella gained a sophisticated cosmopolitan quality from the verticality and modern design. Including an elevator—a rare and innovative feature from 1948—highlighted the building’s forward-looking construction. This component embodied a forward-looking architectural vision and simultaneously addressed the growing demand for modern conveniences in homes.
The façade of Casa Felipó is a masterful application of granite, a stone with great architectural legacy from Andorra. Rising to the top, the honeycomb pattern granite changes into a more asymmetrical form. This variation gives the usually balanced composition depth and a subtle texture. Circular balconies, alternating windows, turrets, and arches define the structure and together create a harmonic rhythm that deftly combines aesthetic sophistication with practical design.
A perfect example of Andorran granite architecture, the building harmonizes artistic expression with practical use. Common in the area, granite was not only a strong building tool but also a canvas for complex artistic expression. Casa Felipó’s design reflects a great duality and shows how flexible granite is in harmonizing traditional elements with modern aesthetics.
Casa Felipó adds greatly to the cultural fabric of Avinguda Meritxell by being close to other notable sites like the Andorra National Library and the Església de San Esteve. Andorra la Vella’s central strategic location makes it a major component of the architectural scene of the city.
Casa Felipó today is a monument to mid-20th century architectural creativity in Andorra. Its continuous recognition as a prominent example of granite architecture is assured by its historical and cultural relevance as well as by its aesthetic and structural features. Serving as both a functional living space and evidence of Andorra’s historical narrative, Casa Felipó closes the distance between its rich past and modern relevance.