A 1950s Masterpiece
in Mallorca
Poised on a rocky promontory in Mallorca, Spain, is a striking family home that masterfully blends the charm of 1950s design with modern architecture, making the most of its spectacular location.
The façade features natural stone cladding and textured concrete, and the extended eaves combine with these elements to give the building a boldly sculptural appeal.
(Home Story) The property, originally designed by the celebrated Mallorcan architect Pere Garau in the late 1950s, has within the last decade undergone an extensive renovation that has preserved the original vision while integrating contemporary elements. The coastal retreat, located on the outskirts of Santa Ponsa in the Calvia district, offers sweeping views of two serene bays and the open Mediterranean horizon. Its unique positioning on a peninsula-like site makes it the ideal gathering place for the owners’ extended family, who live around the world and wanted a space to come together and create memories.
Santa Ponsa, the village where the property is located, carries a rich history. Once a quiet fishing village, it has evolved into a desirable destination known for its stunning beaches and tranquil atmosphere, while still maintaining its authentic Mallorcan character. The town’s small harbor offers access to the Mediterranean’s crystal-clear waters, while its quaint streets feature cafés and shops that provide a peaceful yet lively ambiance. This blend of the traditional and modern made Santa Ponsa the perfect setting for the family’s new home—a retreat that will eventually evolve from a secondary residence to a primary one as family members gradually retire.
The house has two floors—a lower floor that is the ground floor on the street-facing side, and an upper floor that becomes a ground-level floor on the other side of the structure.
The owners’ search for a holiday home in Mallorca took three years, with each potential property falling short until they discovered Garau’s creation. Recognizing the home’s potential despite some outdated features—such as unattractive aluminum windows and high-gloss marble floors—they decided to embark on a major renovation project. Calling upon More Design, a Mallorca-based architecture firm known for its minimalist yet functional approach, the owners sought to bring the house into the 21st century while honoring the spirit of its original design. The firm was particularly drawn to the work of Lina Bo Bardi, a Brazilian architect whose design philosophy emphasized simplicity, natural materials, and a seamless integration of the landscape into the interior spaces—a philosophy that perfectly aligned with the owners’ vision.
The renovation process, which began in 2016, was an exercise in transforming the house into a contemporary masterpiece. The existing structure underwent substantial changes, with new staircases and passageways added to connect different parts of the house, creating a more fluid and organic flow between spaces. The redesign resulted in eight spacious bedrooms—most with en suite bathrooms—expansive living areas, and a state-of-the-art kitchen, as well as a separate laundry room and wine cellar.
Perfect Tranquillity just three minutes´walk
from the house: This Cliff Spot is ideal
for quiet reading or meditation.
One of the most important goals of the renovation was to blur the boundaries between the interior and the surrounding landscape. The design prioritizes panoramic views, with massive windows that seem to float without visible frames—an almost void-like effect that allows the house to appear as though it is an extension of the natural environment. The large overhangs of the roof, inspired by mid-20th-century Brazilian architecture, serve as functional sunshades, protecting the interior from the harsh, direct summer sun while permitting a soft, diffused light to fill the space. This element, reminiscent of Lina Bo Bardi’s work, emphasizes the importance of creating a connection between the building and the landscape, integrating nature into the interior design.
The use of natural stone cladding, an open floor plan, and extensive glazing all reflect the influence of Bo Bardi’s approach to design. Her work often showcased a deep respect for local materials, such as raw stone and wood, as well as a sensitivity to the surrounding environment. This home embodies those principles, with untreated wood, hand-carved stone, and locally crafted encaustic tiles, creating a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels both modern and timeless. The choice of materials was essential in fostering a sense of serenity and connection, as was the decision to use microcement flooring throughout the home, which adds to the sleek yet authentic aesthetic.
The home’s interior palette of soft beiges, warm greys, and bone whites complements the natural materials, while minimalist furnishings and carefully selected contemporary artworks provide a modern touch. Each space has been designed with comfort and relaxation in mind, creating a home where the owners can unwind, enjoy intimate conversations, or gather as a family to enjoy meals and sunsets. The integration of the outdoors with the interior spaces allows the landscape to be experienced from every corner of the house, creating a seamless flow between inside and out.
The completed renovation not only honors the original design but elevates it to meet the needs of modern living. The house’s siting on the cliffside, with unobstructed views of both the sea and the village of Santa Ponsa, is complemented by the way the architecture embraces its environment. The home blends effortlessly into its surroundings, its gently curving roofline and natural stone façade allowing it to coexist harmoniously with the rocky landscape. The renovation reflects the owners’ desire to create a sanctuary, now achieved through a perfect balance of beauty, functionality, and serenity.