A sculptor and model maker, he worked with A. Gaudí, whom he met while studying in the workshop of E. Puntí. From the outset they worked together on Parc de la Ciutadella.
Together with his team he made the models for Casa Batlló (1904; Passeig de Gràcia, 43) and La Pedrera (1906-1910; Passeig de Gràcia, 92 - Provença, 261-265). Later on, A. Gaudí asked him to work permanently on the Temple Sagrada Família (1882; unfinished). His son, Joan Matamala, also a sculptor, was a collaborator and friend of the architect A. Gaudí.