refurbishment extension, costa de los pinos mallorca
this private estate on the frontline of the coast at costa de los pinos is undergoing a complete architectural transformation. the project involves a full gut renovation, reorganization, and energy-efficient upgrade—executed with great care to preserve the existing coastal flora of pine, holm oak, and native undergrowth. the site’s topography and genius loci form the starting point for an architectural response that is materially, constructively, and atmospherically rooted in its context.
originally conceived as an artist’s house in the 1950s, the structure featured a typical compartmentalized floor plan of the era. this has now been entirely reimagined: the new layout follows an open-plan living philosophy in which cooking, dining, living, and resting merge seamlessly. large retractable glass panels, floor-to-ceiling windows, and visual axes through the building dissolve boundaries between indoors and outdoors, creating a light-filled, interconnected spatial experience.
the residence is divided into two main volumes, carefully terraced into the natural slope of the land. the entire structure has been rebuilt using a custom steel frame system that enables long spans and highly flexible layouts. the building envelope consists of a multilayered, high-performance ventilated façade made from large-format composite panels. these are partially solid, partially perforated, and subtly staggered to create a sculptural relief that echoes the verticality of the surrounding pine trees. at night, the façade is softly backlit, forming a luminous shell; by day, it filters sun and wind.
the expressive steel structure plays a dual role: vertical steel columns are stylized as abstract “tree trunks” and branch out at roof level into a canopy-like truss system. these structures carry the overhanging roof elements and integrated shading panels made of perforated steel. opening vertically on custom hinges, these act as sun screens, weather protection, and privacy filters all in one—using the same technology as the bespoke garage doors, developed specifically for use in the spanish market.
the perforations themselves are algorithmically generated, combining organic patterns with highly functional qualities. they allow controlled views, passive ventilation, and efficient solar protection—eliminating the need for mechanical cooling systems. in addition, a compact hydro-pelton turbine uses water pressure for energy production, making the house largely self-sufficient. technical preparations for photovoltaic panels and rainwater harvesting systems further support a resilient, future-ready energy concept.
floor-to-ceiling frameless glass façades open the living spaces fully to the sea and landscape. all primary rooms are oriented along the coastline to maximize uninterrupted panoramic views. a private pathway leads directly from the house to the rocky shore, offering rare, direct access to the water—an exceptional privilege on the east coast of mallorca.
the spatial program includes three bedrooms, two spacious open-plan living and dining areas with kitchens, a separate guest apartment, and a full wellness level on the lowest floor. this wellness area features a fully integrated sauna and a traditional hammam, both built in natural stone with thermal mass and designed to frame calming views into the surrounding vegetation or out to the sea.
the outdoor spaces follow a minimal-intervention approach: existing dry-stone walls are preserved and supplemented, while the historical terracing of the terrain is maintained and enhanced. a series of open-air seating areas is situated under mature pine trees, blending into the landscape and offering shaded retreat zones throughout the day. these spaces—some with built-in natural stone benches—create a rhythmic interplay of open and sheltered, sun and shade.
a particular highlight is the rock pool carved directly into the natural stone. designed with minimal geometry and filled with filtered saltwater, it blends seamlessly into its surroundings. its edges are defined not by artificial coping, but by the stone itself—an understated and serene architectural response to the proximity of the open sea.
interior materials are reduced and refined: fair-faced concrete walls, handcrafted carpentry, and honed natural stone surfaces are used throughout, with meticulous attention to detail, material honesty, and artisanal excellence. the flat roofs are extensively planted to visually extend the surrounding greenery into the architecture, enhancing thermal insulation and biodiversity.
villa 1223 is an architecture that grows from the place rather than being placed upon it. it is a contemporary reimagining of a historic site—merging craftsmanship and innovation, technology and nature, atmosphere and structure into one coherent and timeless whole.
project: 1223
size: 714 m2 (building), 1.155 m2 (exterior)
construction area: 256 m2 (incl. terraces)
client: confidencial
location: east coast costa de los pinos, majorca
type: refurbishment extension single family house
team (building): jle
team (landscape): jle
responsible architects: jle
