In Mallorca, a Once-Crumbling Home Captures the Serenity of the Mediterranean

In the small Mallorcan village of Ses Salines, Ideo Arquitectura Boutique renovated a 200-year-old home by tapping into the locale. "We started from a premise to build a natural house in harmony with nature, using local construction techniques and ecological materials," say the architects. "The material became the key idea of ​​the work."

The firm is a pioneer in the Balearic Islands for being the first to use hemp, which was utilized throughout the project’s rehabilitation alongside alternative materials like lime and marés, a locally sourced sandstone.

Hemp was an advantage for a few reasons: It’s durable, good for insulation and acoustics, and it doesn’t retain moisture, which is critical in the humid Mediterranean climate. "Without a doubt, it is one of the materials of the future," explains Ideo, which hopes the project will inspire others to adopt hemp for builds.

The architects created a new layout for the interiors, but preserved elements like Catalan ceilings. They incorporated rubble and pieces of pavement from the demolition into the lintels of the doors and windows, and used marés blocks to create built-in seating for the kitchen and bathroom.

Outside, a staircase features cantilevered steps plastered with lime. Although building with lime is an ancient technique in Mallorca, it is generally used solely for facades and vertical walls. The team at Ideo dared to dream, using it on the floors and ceilings as well, which imbues the spaces with an atmosphere of peace and quiet.

Everything was designed in-house, down to the smallest details like the pine door frames. "I am particularly proud of the facade window and door work," says architect Virginia del Barco. "Due to the lack of flatness on the openings, I invented a T-shaped wooden frame that’s embedded in the wall."

One of the homeowner’s favorite spaces is the airy, open terrace, which has become an intimate haven for sleeping out under the stars.

Related Reading:

A Dreamy Home in Catalonia Celebrates the Mediterranean Way of Life

A 1960s Mediterranean in Spain Becomes an Indoor/Outdoor Oasis for Three Sisters

Project Credits:

Architect of Record: Ideo Arquitectura Boutique / @ideoarquitectura_boutique

Builder/General Contractor: Todo Reformas

Interior Design: Stork Interior Design