Property
EYE ON
S pr pa o in in per ’s b En ty es gl ma t ish g
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A MASTER Taking a look at the lesser known Gaudi creations See page 14
April 2024
CLUCKS TO CREATIVITY n s bee io a h t p thaect’s stud o o c t cken an archi i h c The ed into form s n a r t
WINGING IT: Arnau grew up on the farm
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HERE once chickens literally ruled the roost, a firm of architects is now drawing inspiration from the nature of the Paratges de La Moixina. Nestled within the scenic natural park near Orlot (Girona), a remarkable transformation has taken place. What was once a dilapidated chicken coop is now a centre of creativity and innovation, thanks to the work of the Arnau Estudi d'Arquitectura studio. Led by Arnau Verges, (below) the firm decided to restore the forgotten structure to its former glory. With a keen eye for design Arnau and his team renovated the old coop, breathing new life into its weathered walls. The transformation of the chicken coop into an architect’s studio has been nothing short of extraordinary. It exudes a sense of rustic charm, blending seamlessly with the natural beauty of its surroundings.. It was a labour of love for Arnau who
grew up on the farm where the coop stands. He remembers seeing roe deer and other wildlife on the land. And now he has clear views from his comfortable studio as the wildlife timidly approach the old coop. He said: “We watch the seasons and life go by through the window while we know that this little paradise is just a lucky fragment of the broken mirror of life.”
PERFECT BALANCE SIESTAS, lots of holidays and long warm evenings… is it any wonder Spain offers the second-best work-life balance in the world. According to new research, Spaniards have much more time to relax outside of work compared to most European countries.. In comparison to the UK, where most people work nine to five jobs with a short lunch
came third, followed by Spain is the second-best country in the world for work-life balance France Australia, Denmark, Norway break, most Spanish workers get at least an hour to eat. According to global HR company Remote, Spain scored a healthy 76 out of 100 for workers. In the company’s study of the 60 countries with the highest GDP globally, only New Zealand came above with a score
By Yzabelle Bostyn
of 79. The poll took into account public holidays, sick leave, healthcare, annual leave, maternity leave and overall happiness. Spain did extremely well for
statutory annual leave of 36 days, while 16 weeks of paid maternity leave (at €100 a week) and getting 60% of your wage if sick were pluses. While the minimum hourly wage is low at €7.41, it is compensated by an average happiness level of 6.48 out of 10. An ordinary work week is 25.9
hours, including part-time work. Despite coming first, Kiwis get less annual leave than Spaniards, with 32 days. However, their sick leave percentage is higher at 80% as well as maternity leave allowance, at around €98 for 26 weeks.
and the Netherlands. The United Kingdom was in eighth position, with an average happiness score of 6.94 out of 10. Brits get 28 days of annual leave, £96 a week for sick leave and 39 weeks of maternity leave at £24 (€27). In ninth and tenth place were Canada and Brazil, respectively.