Materials emphasize the simple geometry of the Lover’s House
Luis Díaz Díaz

Materials emphasize the simple geometry of the Lover’s House

12 März 2021  •  Nachrichten  •  By Allie Shiell

Surrounded by vineyards and protected by a pine forest cultivated over many years, the Lover’s House by Isla Architects is an island retreat located in the rustic landscape of Mallorca. Monochromatic and geometrically simple, the apparent hue of the house subtly throughout the day as it reacts to the sun and reveals movement through shadows and changing material nuances.

Luis Díaz Díaz

The layout of the house is developed on several axes that are articulated as a series of walls arranged in a north-south direction. Access via a curved ramp leads to the entrance through a wild garden parallel to one of the walls. Once on the entry porch, a large floor-to-ceiling door invites visitors to come inside.

Luis Díaz Díaz

An entry foyer stretches to both sides of a longitudinal courtyard planted with a forest of bamboo. The foyer links together the various bedrooms of the house. A guest room occupies the first volume of the house near the entrance and has its own patio. The remaining bedrooms are located in the south wing -  two twin bedrooms with a shared bathroom, and the main bedroom which opens to a large open patio.

Luis Díaz Díaz

The living room, along with an independent but visually connected kitchen, is located to the north of the plan. Situated in the widest bay of the house, the living area opens up to views over the mountain and the garden. In a strategic response to the environment, the asymmetric inclination of the room allows the space to be more open to the south than the north. This inclination provides solar protection to the southern openings, which is turn allows for cross-ventilation throughout the summer months. Blinds, the same tone as the walls with flanges in metallic tones can be closed to filter light as desired. Depending on the tilt and angle of the blinds, the living spaces acquire a subtle red tinge.

Luis Díaz Díaz

An exterior window cut into the west wall visually connects the living room onward to the pool. Detached from the house, the pool takes on a space of its own and is defined with walls as a separate layer and volume that emerge from the ground.  

The exterior walls of the retreat are plastered with a rust coloured mortar. Inside the palette is reduced to tinted concrete of the same reddish colour. Alongside this, copper, white and natural wood give the house a warm and natural atmosphere. The floor, locally manufactured by Huguet and custom-designed for the projects span the limits of the house while a series of elements also made of red-tinted concrete, such as washbasins, showers, fireplaces and benches, equip the different spaces.  

Luis Díaz Díaz

This limited palette of materials serves to emphasize the simple geometry of the building and create a visual and tactile continuity between the architecture and its surroundings.