Merging with the landscape

TEd’A arquitectes demonstrated real attention to detail and an eye for mulitfaceted clarity with this detached home, which has been designed to fit in perfectly with the topography of the Majorcan landscape. It also harbours an internal oasis.

Tradition and landscape integrated

The detached home ‘Can Jaime i n’Isabelle’ in the Spanish town of Palma unites two concepts: traditional Mediterranean architecture and blending in with the landscape. The design is evocative of traditional Majorcan architecture, with its ornate courtyards, which are often invisible from the outside of the building. These courtyards – also known as patios – were traditionally at the heart of the house and, as such, performed an important social function as a place for gathering. They also protected their inhabitants against the elements, both in summer and winter.

Surprising details

The layout of the entire complex is almost – but not quite – square, and the external stone walls appear impenetrable. Inside, however, the building is a surprising oasis of diverse spaces, atriums, plants and walkways. There are four small courtyard gardens in ‘Can Jaime i n’Isabelle’, which bring together modern and authentic traditional elements. They connect to the central courtyard and are attached to individual bedrooms, living rooms and kitchens. In contrast to the rough outer walls, the internal walls are very neat, but the narrow clay bricks retain a link to nature.

Living patina

Another special feature of this project is the way it has been designed to blend in with the local topography. The property is on a steep south-facing slope with an access road on the north side, which is above the building and has breathtaking views to the south. The view remains unbroken by the house, because it is set into the ground, and the materials used in its construction blend in perfectly with the landscape. The roof has been planted with native grasses and shrubs and the concrete walls were made using stones from the site itself.

Locally sourced materials dominate inside, too, with local clay bricks forming the walls and floors. In the courtyards they remain exposed while, indoors, they are painted white. Patterned tiles and wooden features complete the look. TEd’A arquitectes wanted the house to have texture and lines, and to acquire a patina over time – just like traditional buildings, which are actively shaped by time. That is why the Brick Award special prize goes to ‘Can Jaime i n'Isabelle’. This building is not just about feeling at home in your own house, but also about feeling at ease in a culture and its historical development.