Inspired by the local Mallorcan architecture, Slovakian architectural studio BEEF designed a house using traditional building materials and techniques in a contemporary typology, resulting in a breathtaking energy efficient villa.
Casa Fly was designed by BEEF architects with reference to Mallorca’s local architecture specific for its dry stone construction technique; it was built re-using the traditional elements and incorporating them with a simple energy efficient concept based on natural ventilation and heat accumulating properties of its walls.
Mallorca is an island full of beautiful natural landscapes alongside picturesque stone towns full of history and tradition. For BEEF, this project was an opportunity to learn how to enter the Mediterranean territory with respect to the vernacular architecture.
The design reflects the local architecture with the use of traditional techniques and materials such as stones from a local quarry. The stone façade is based on typical design that can be found all over the island on fences and retaining walls, which are constructed by using a traditional dry technique ‘Pedra en sec’. This local design was declared as an intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2018.
Besides the aesthetics, the massive façade helps to keep the house cool during the summer months and has a great potential for accumulating the heat in winter. The house respects the local conditions, therefore it offers a number of natural shading or ventilating systems.
The windows are pushed inside of the structure in order to create shading out of the concrete slabs, and folding wooden shutters are another natural heat prevention – they also reflect the façades of traditional houses in Mallorca. Narrow vertical lamellas create a tender shadow-play in the interior, which complements local traditional atmosphere. Spaces in between the lamellas allow air circulation even while the shutters are closed.
The design encourages natural ventilation, which can be used in specific areas or in the whole house depending on it’s needs. Various window openings in each space allow the fresh air to come in and flow through the house up to the skylights, which provides vertical and horizontal ventilation.
The house is in harmony with the local architecture by using traditional materials, techniques and empiric principles. The stone façade continues to flow throughout the interior and sits alongside the natural beauty of lime plaster. BEEF’s intention was to keep the interior surfaces neutral to allow the custom-made furnishings to stand out.
Wood, local stone and concrete are the dominant materials used for the interiors with each material having a specific role in the design. The wooden lamellas adjacent to the staircase create a vertical axes, acting as the ‘skeleton’ of the house. A group of handmade ceramic pendant lights perform a unique impression above the dining table.
The surroundings together with the position of the house create different views on each level. On the bottom story you are visually connected with the never-ending sea, and from the bedrooms, which are situated on the higher story, the beautiful illuminated city is visible during the night hours. The city can also be seen through a gap between the sloping terrain and pine treetops. The third and final view is from the infinity pool, where the pool water continuously blends with the sea and horizon.
www.beef.sk | IG: @beefarchitekti
Photography by Tomeu Canyellas | www.tomeucanyellas.com
PROJECT TEAM:
Local architect: 3de3arquitectes
Project manager: About Living
Construction company: Grupo Ferrá
Carpentry work: Nadal mobiliari
Garden: Mallorca Eden Jardin
