Project: Mediterranean Retreat House
Architects: Ábaton Arquitectos
Team: Camino Alonso, Ignacio Lechón, Fernando Alonso, Marta Hombrados, David Hiniesto
Furnishing: Laura Muñoz
Styling: Blanca Alonso
Location: Menorca, Balearic Islands, Spain
Year: 2019
Site Area: 500 m2
Photo Credits: Belén Imaz, Meritxell Arjalaguer
This Mediterranean Retreat House is about 450 square meters, it is located in the island of Menorca and it has three floors to suit the steep topography of the land and to promote the joy of the wonderful views from most of the spaces of the house.
The owners, a family with three children who live most of the year in Madrid, wanted a house where the exceptional views of the sea were a priority. Due to the low island production of many construction materials and the difficulties that this brings with it, we chose to work with wood, with the CLT structure as a palafitte on the ground. The concrete for the foundation was textured with wood on its visible sides, being in harmony with the warmth of the whole. The outside of the house is inspired by the ancient lime works of the island. The stone walls, pretend to look like agricultural terraces.
Inside, the floor’s continuous finish in earth colours brings simplicity, continuity and fluidity to the whole, as well as high functionality in a house designed to enjoy family and share with friends.
Large windows were designed for maximum opening and minimum profile carpentry to ensure the highest visual comfort. Spaces were linked as much as possible and we tried to break the boundaries inside/outside, except for the main entrance facade which is sheltered from external views and guarantees privacy. The infinity swimming pool, flying over the sea, is located on the upper floor, where there is also the kitchen which is divided into two parts, one totally covered and the other on the outside under a natural fibers handcrafted pergola.
The bedrooms and bathrooms focus on the sea views. The living room is divided in two rooms separated by a step in the floor and split by the fireplace and its woodshelves that were designed specifically to highlight this division. A fun children’s bedroom was built with tailor-made bunk beds to host 6 guest children.
