Perched on the steep slopes of Banyalbufar in the heart of Mallorca’s Serra de Tramuntana, KOSMOS Architects and Blanca Gardelegui have transformed a traditional village townhouse into “Amor de la Isla,” a family home that celebrates sustainability and clever design. The project, where the old structure becomes a beacon of innovation, redeploys existing materials found on-site, favoring reuse and adaptation over conventional renovation practices.
Maximizing existing resources: a prime example
Banyalbufar, with its challenging terrain connecting sea and mountains, presents unique construction hurdles. The narrow walkways and steep gradients make transporting materials cumbersome. For “Amor de la Isla,” this logistical challenge inspired a creative solution: repair and repurpose rather than build anew. Through this inventive approach, the home becomes a symbol of preserving its authentic character while infusing it with new life.
KOSMOS Architects and Blanca Gardelegui focused on revamping existing elements. They repaired windows and facades, cutting broken ceramic floor tiles to create spectacular terrazzo surfaces. An old timber door split in two now serves as an interior folding door, perfectly suited to the home’s compact environment.
A home of inspired reuse
Inside, ingenuity carries through. Oil funnels are reinvented as pendant lamps, ceramic roof tiles double as lampshades, and a discarded cast-iron manhole cover is repurposed into a stove base. Even rebar caps find a new life as distinctive door handles.
In this project, the residence becomes a showcase for creativity. In the kitchen, traditional Mediterranean chain curtains replace conventional doors, maintaining an open feel while incorporating local tradition. New paint redefines spaces, visually connecting rooms and enhancing the overarching aesthetic.
Alongside stone houses and terraces, the renovation proudly includes a new facade element— a pulley system. This addition eases the movement of materials through vertical spaces and is accentuated by a spherical light, turning the practical into the poetic by night. The house becomes a seamless part of its scenic surroundings, blending functionality and beauty.
Much of the renovation leaned into minimalism, preserving original materials or subtly transforming them. At Can Amor de la Isla, reuse isn’t just a design choice; it’s an inspired necessity, adding depth and history to the home. Its design journey touches every part of the home, from carefully retained surfaces to imaginative new uses of existing pieces. Thus, the townhouse stands as a testament to the power of sustainable design.
Interiors infused with local charm
The townhouse’s interiors mix local charm with modern creativity. White kitchen surfaces contrast vividly with exposed timber beams. A metal mesh curtain screens storage and appliances, adding a distinct textural element.
A bright pink handle introduces contemporary flair, while pops of color refresh various rooms. Original elements like timber beds juxtapose against freshly painted blue floors, bridging past and present.
The residence also features an original wrought-iron coat rack, retained as a nod to its history. Exposed beams and ceramic tiles remain integral to the aesthetic, maintaining authenticity, as the home becomes a cohesive blend of old and new.
To explore more about sustainable architecture, discover how a tea room in Japan was revitalized with modern materials and local timber, blending tradition with contemporary design.
Connectivity with surrounding beauty
Room layouts lead naturally to views of the Mediterranean. A timber window invites the outside in, enhancing the serenity of bedroom spaces. Meanwhile, reused hooks smartly organize everyday items against whitewashed walls.
The green pulley extends functionality to the exterior, capable of lifting supplies against the natural backdrop. A spherical light transforms the pulley into a charming beacon above the sea, making the structure an integral part of its maritime environment.
Navigating the compact bathroom are warm hues, exposed beams, and minimalist fixtures. A striking deep blue decor connects various bathroom elements, combining glossy tiles with a similarly hued shower curtain.
A vivid design choice, from walls to floors, keeps the palette cohesive, framing the timeless journey of the home.
Project details
Project name: Can Amor de la Isla
Architect: KOSMOS Architects | @kosmos_architects + Blanca Gardelegui | @bggardelegui
Location: Banyalbufar, Serra de Tramuntana, Mallorca, Spain
Photographer: Luis Díaz Díaz | Luis Díaz Díaz
Sources & Links
Source: designboom.com
Frequently asked questions
What design philosophy was used in the Banyalbufar townhouse renovation?
The Banyalbufar townhouse renovation uses a design philosophy focused on sustainability and reuse, repurposing existing materials found on-site. This approach favors repairing and adapting over conventional renovation practices, preserving the home’s authentic character while infusing it with new life.
How did the architects handle material transportation challenges in Banyalbufar?
In response to Banyalbufar’s challenging terrain and narrow walkways, which make transporting materials cumbersome, the architects were inspired to repair and repurpose existing materials rather than building anew. This creative solution allowed the renovation to preserve and adapt the townhouse’s existing structure.
How is the new facade element in the townhouse used?
The new facade element in the townhouse is a pulley system designed to ease the movement of materials through vertical spaces. It is accentuated by a spherical light, transforming it into an aesthetic feature that turns practical utility into a poetic element by night.