Briefed to create a home for a speculative resident that would immediately stand out in the local property market, Mallorca-based Isla Architects responded by drawing on the Balearic island's warm climate, natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle, as well as Spain’s architectural heritage for inspiration. The result, named Lover's House, sits in Santa Maria, in the heart of the island, and is a textured and colourful Mallorcan retreat.
Working with an existing foundation and frame, which was built but left unfinished, the team, headed by Marta Colón and Juan Palencia, composed a house whose plan references the work of 20th-century Spanish architect Jose Antonio Coderch. ‘The house is developed on several axes that are articulated along a series of walls arranged in a north-south direction,' say the architects.
The structure's warm terracota-pink colour (concrete tinted with a shade of red) is a defining element in the design. Reminiscent of the work of Mexican modernist Luis Barragán, known for his use of light and bold colour, often in compositions that feel tactile and close to earth, the house reads as at once textured and connected to the natural landscape around it, but also graphic and contemporary.
The main access path is through a pine forest, so from the street, ‘the house appears totally closed, recreating the local Arab influences', explain the architects.
Inside, the pink hue is repeated on walls, ceiling beams and the floor – which was expertly created by local bespoke cement manufacturer Huguet. White plaster, copper and natural wood complete the interior's material palette. Working with block colours and craft-focused details, Isla Architects has created a space that is warm and layered.
Large open spaces inside create a flowing interior that would be perfect for entertaining. Meanwhile, several terraces and a swimming pool allow daily life to spill out into the garden, which is full of native plants, and offers views of the surrounding woods, vineyards and the island's Tramuntana mountain range.
INFORMATION
isla-architects.com
-
The 2024 Ivor Novello nominations for songwriting have been revealed77 British and Irish songwriters and composers make up this year's nominees, announced tonight at London's Groucho Club
-
Why Bollinger’s La Grande Année 2015 champagne is worth celebratingChampagne Bollinger unveils La Grande Année 2015 and La Grande Année Rosé 2015, two outstanding cuvées from an exceptional year in wine-making
-
Lexus installation explores time at Milan Design Week 2024Lexus brought designer Hideki Yoshimoto’s ‘Beyond the Horizon’ to Milan’s Art Point, part of its ongoing series of collaborations with Fuorisalone
-
MOCA is a self-sufficient mobile home offering freedom to work (and roam)MOCA (Mobile Catalyst) is a sustainable mobile home designed by the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia, and taking remote working to a new level
-
Low-energy house in Catalonia minimises its footprint to make the most of its siteAlventosa Morell Arquitectes’ low-energy house in Catalonia nestles into the landscape
-
Hortensia Herrero Art Centre puts Valencia on the contemporary art mapHortensia Herrero Art Centre launches in Valencia, offering a home for contemporary art to sit side by side with archaeological treasures
-
Collective, Hong Kong and Spain: Wallpaper* Architects Directory 2023With bases in Hong Kong and Spain, Collective joins the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2023, our annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios
-
Nicolás y Nicolás, Spain and Ecuador: Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2023With offices in Spain and Ecuador, Nicolás y Nicolás is part of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2023, our annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios
-
This light-filled Spanish house is defined by openness and geometryA Spanish house by Arquitecturia Camps Felip is designed around its courtyards and its six volumes’ bold geometry
-
Extraordinary escapes: where would you like to be?Peruse and lose yourself in these extraordinary escapes; there's nothing better to get the creative juices flowing than a healthy dose of daydreaming
-
Spain’s Casa Primitiva is ruled by simplicityThe pared-back Casa Primitiva by Hanghar fits in perfectly in its semi-rural Spanish context
