new private property singe house, cala gat ratjada majorca
Mountain House Mallorca” stands out for its sculptural design, its ecologically conscious construction, and its sensitivity to the *Genius Loci*. The architecture integrates the geographical and climatic conditions as an essential part of the design. The terraced construction, the green roof landscape, and the reduced material palette make the building a distinctive yet subtle element within the Mallorcan landscape.
Design Concept and Architectural Approach
The architectural concept of the “Mountain House Mallorca” is based on a deep understanding of the island’s landscape and climatic conditions. Its approach aims for a harmonious integration into the topography by embedding the building into the hillside through a terraced structure. Strategic design elements such as the extensive green roof and the use of local materials ensure that the house is integrated into its natural surroundings both visually and functionally.
Conceptually, the design creates a resonant shell for its owner, a passionate pianist. To achieve this, all floor slabs have been designed as coffered ceilings, optimized for acoustics and resonance, ensuring outstanding sound quality inside. As a result, the building offers not only a visual but also an acoustic experience.
Architectural Uniqueness
“2209” sets itself apart from conventional residential buildings through its innovative combination of sculptural form, sustainable construction, and context-sensitive architecture. A distinctive feature is its monolithic curtain façade, made from locally excavated material. This not only helps the building blend seamlessly into the landscape but also reduces environmental impact by minimizing transportation distances. Additionally, the green roof landscape represents an innovative synthesis of aesthetic design, ecological functionality, and thermal efficiency.
Architecture in Dialogue with Nature
Located on the easternmost plot of the island, the “Mountain House Mallorca” rises above the rugged coastline like an eagle’s nest. Its architecture responds sensitively to the specific topography of the sloping site, which is characterized by rock formations, the open sea, and constant wind currents. Through organic design and carefully chosen materials, the visual impact is minimized.
The extensive, walkable green roof reflects the island’s natural vegetation, contributes to thermal regulation, improves water retention, and reduces reflections from solar radiation. At the same time, it serves as a panoramic viewing platform with spectacular vistas.
Construction and Materiality
The building envelope combines massive concrete shells with lightweight wooden elements. The monolithic curtain façade is constructed from excavated material from the site itself, reducing the ecological footprint and integrating the building harmoniously into the local color and material spectrum. The exterior design protects the house from wind and overheating, while large glass surfaces are strategically placed to optimize daylight use.
Wooden elements, such as sliding persianas, function as flexible sun protection elements and draw inspiration from traditional Mallorcan architecture. Their slatted structure enables passive climate regulation, as they can be opened or closed depending on the time of day and season.
The cantilevered floor slabs are constructed using a hybrid system of wood and reinforced concrete, ensuring both structural efficiency and minimizing the weight of the upper volumes. This allows for generous, open spaces with maximum connection to the surrounding landscape.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability
The building follows a holistic sustainability concept, combining passive and active energy-saving strategies. A well-thought-out cross-ventilation system harnesses the constant sea breezes for natural cooling, significantly reducing the need for air conditioning. The massive concrete components act as thermal storage masses, absorbing heat during the day and gradually releasing it at night to maintain a stable indoor climate.
Discreetly integrated photovoltaic modules on the roof generate a significant portion of the building’s electricity needs, while a rainwater management system supports the irrigation of the extensive green roof.
The site remains largely in its natural state, preserving the original topography and minimizing landscape intervention. This results in a symbiosis between architecture and environment that is not only aesthetically convincing but also ecologically responsible.
project: 2209 size: confidencial
construction area: confidencial
client: confidencial
location: cala gat ratjada, majorca
type: new customer single private property
team (building): jle
team (interior design): jle
team (landscape): jle responsible architects: jle
