Scale Model of the Roman Villa of Sant Valentí de Les Cabanyes
Scale: 1:100
Acrylic, wood, and other materials.
160x145cm
Construction of an idealized scale model of the Roman Villa of Les Cabanyes for the interpretation Centre of Sant Valentí de les Cabanyes, with the participation of the Barcelona Provincial Council.
As the Roman remains that have survived to the present day (a number of mosaic fragments) do not provide enough evidence to accurately determine what the villa originally looked like, the client supplied a series of renderings based on a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey, presenting an idealized reconstruction. At L'ESFERA, we produced the technical drawings from this material in order to build the scale model.
Acrylic, wood, and other materials.
160x145cm
Construction of an idealized scale model of the Roman Villa of Les Cabanyes for the interpretation Centre of Sant Valentí de les Cabanyes, with the participation of the Barcelona Provincial Council.
As the Roman remains that have survived to the present day (a number of mosaic fragments) do not provide enough evidence to accurately determine what the villa originally looked like, the client supplied a series of renderings based on a ground-penetrating radar (GPR) survey, presenting an idealized reconstruction. At L'ESFERA, we produced the technical drawings from this material in order to build the scale model.
The brief called for a highly detailed model that would convey a strong sense of life, similar to a diorama, while remaining visually engaging. Special care was therefore devoted to the textures of the walls and paving, avoiding mechanical or overly uniform surfaces throughout. A variety of materials was used to achieve rich and varied textures that would enhance the sense of realism. Every element of the model was individually painted using glazes, weathering techniques, and aging effects, always avoiding flat, uniform colors.
The wide range of vegetation to be represented required the use of different techniques to achieve a variety of finishes. Many grapevines were also designed and laser-cut to recreate the vineyards that are so characteristic of the Penedès region.
Finally, the various figures of people, animals, and small-scale accessories, such as amphorae and wine jars, were produced using 3D printing. Together with other custom-made elements—including carts, tables, and even the smoke rising from the pottery kiln—they help convey the lively atmosphere requested by the client.
The visit is complemented by several QR codes integrated into the model, providing information about the reconstructed spaces, daily life in Roman times, and the history of the archaeological site.
More information: https://www.penedesturisme.cat/ca/activitat/visita-sant-valenti-les-cabanyes
May 2026.
