Located at the foot of the mountains in the Los Vélez comarca of Almería, Andalusia, the REC.ON Project gives forgotten rural heritage a purposeful second life. Founded in 2019 around a century-old abandoned farmstead in Bolaimi, we transform dilapidated structures into vibrant studios, living spaces, and creative hubs. By bridging the culture and traditions of the Andalusian countryside with an international creative community.
We are actively working to counter the depopulation of rural areas—a phenomenon known as “emptied Spain” (*España Vaciada*).
Join UsRestoration Philosophy
At REC.ON, we combine respect for original architecture—its traditions and history—with the principles of sustainable design and modern aesthetics. Our approach involves only essential architectural intervention and adheres strictly to a zero-waste philosophy. We create new, versatile spaces by giving a second life to old, abandoned farmsteads and houses in the Comarca Los Vélez region. Once renovated, these properties are reborn, serving as functional living and working spaces for private individuals and artists alike.
The 100-Year-Old Goat Farmstead
Our main base in Bolaimi centers on turning a century-old livestock farm into an active creative ecosystem
Upcycled Art Gallery & Open Studio (Licensed 2023): what was once an abandoned goat shelter is now an officially licensed gallery and collaborative workspace for artists, writers, and hands-on workshops. We kept the core walls exposed—showing off the original mountain stone, clay, and wild bamboo as a raw, historic backdrop for upcycled art and design.
Site-Specific Land Installations
Beyond the buildings, our surrounding land hosts functional, eco-conscious spatial art built from reclaimed timber, wild bamboo, clay, raw stone, and upcycled materials:
The Treehouse Platform: Tucked high into the canopy of an ancient native oak tree—one of the few survivors predating the region’s almond monoculture. Built from reclaimed timber and wild bamboo, it remains completely hidden from the outside, creating a secluded space for deep focus, creative work, and raw connection with nature.
Eco Outdoor Shower: Built right against an almond tree whose branches support the frame. A simple, striking bamboo and natural timber structure where gravity feeds fresh water straight from our historic well before it flows naturally back into the earth.
Closed-Loop Eco Sink: An outdoor dishwashing and wash station overlooking the mountains. Powered by a gravity-fed well system, the water naturally irrigates surrounding native plants after use.
Workshops & Practice
If you are interested in natural building, upcycling, and preserving traditional Andalusian architecture, we invite you to join our workshops and daily activities tailored to the rhythm of the seasons. Driven by our zero-waste mission, we accept applications all year round.
Recognition & Impact
Rural Talent Award (2023): Recognized across Andalusia for bringing creative life back to depopulated mountain villages.
TOP 50 Startups in Andalusia (2025): Selected among the region’s most innovative initiatives.
Active Networks: Collaborating with regional and international networks dedicated to rural regeneration and sustainable heritage.