A stunning new family residence in Majorca demonstrates how modern minimalism can harmoniously coexist with traditional Mediterranean architecture and sustainable building practices. Studio OAM has designed Can Gallineta, a light-filled home in Manacor on the eastern part of the Balearic island, that appears to have naturally emerged from its surroundings of reddish earth and pale green grasses.
The architectural firm drew inspiration from Mallorca's traditional building systems, including the simple and repetitive structures found throughout the countryside, such as water channels with evenly spaced pillars. However, the most significant influence came from the landscape itself, with the design studio prioritizing minimal impact on the sensitive natural environment. The elongated plot with its gentle slope provided the foundation for a design that works in harmony with the terrain.
The architects positioned the stretched building on the highest point of the property, minimizing ground intervention while ensuring a large south-facing facade for maximum natural light. The single-story design includes verandas and pergolas that make the structure appear smaller than it actually is. Native carob trees were planted alongside preserved existing pine trees from the surrounding forest, creating privacy and intimacy for the family residence.
Sustainability played a central role in the design strategy. The team implemented passive design elements including southern orientation, reduced northern and western openings, and natural shading through verandas, pergolas, and deciduous trees. Active energy-efficient systems such as heat recovery ventilation were integrated throughout the home. The use of local materials with low environmental impact became a cornerstone of the project.
Materials were carefully selected to promote sustainable construction while creating the impression that the house has always belonged to its setting. Lime mortar covers the facade, while large retaining walls utilize stones and earth from the property itself. Natural insulation made from Neptune balls, collected from nearby Posidonia oceanica seagrass along the coast, tops the roof. Carpentry work features Siberian larch, and neutral, earthy tones dominate the palette to harmonize with the surrounding landscape.
The building system employs load-bearing aerated concrete walls measuring 30 centimeters thick, providing excellent insulation and preventing thermal bridges. This lightweight construction method enabled quick and simple implementation with minimal waste, which could be crushed and reused for joints. The system requires low energy for processing compared to other methods, making it both environmentally friendly and highly energy-efficient.
Designed for a young couple with small children, the home prioritizes comfortable, light-filled, and energy-efficient spaces. The architects created a family environment with a calm and relaxed atmosphere, featuring strong connections to outdoor areas through courtyards, verandas, and large south-facing openings. Careful attention to appropriate room proportions ensures the spaces feel welcoming and functional.
The floor plan follows a clear and functional structure with multiple auxiliary rooms along the north facade, featuring vaulted reed ceilings that connect to various south-facing living spaces. These transitional rooms of different sizes serve as offices, entrance areas, and kitchen spaces. Two sleeping areas occupy opposite ends of the house, providing privacy for both parents and children.
Rectangular volumes are offset from each other, creating courtyards and verandas between them while counteracting the strict lines of the elongated facade. These rectangular forms unite under a large shed roof that gives the project a cohesive appearance. A horizontal extension of evenly arranged verandas and pergolas sits in front of this sloped roof, helping to visually reduce the height of the main facade.
The minimalist interior design and natural material palette contribute significantly to Can Gallineta's relaxed ambiance. Ceramic works by Mallorcan craftsman Pere Coll, light wooden furniture, and reed-covered vaulted ceilings connect to the Mediterranean style of the Balearic island. Custom-made furniture throughout the home includes pieces by local artisans, such as cabinets from Tapicería Tomás Riera in Manacor and a wooden bathtub crafted by carpenter Sebastià Vidal from Vilafranca.
The landscaping, visible through the kitchen window and designed by Gabriel Llabrés, gently transitions into the surrounding rustic terrain. Mediterranean plants requiring minimal water and suited to the climate complete the sustainable approach. Floor-to-ceiling elongated windows flood interior spaces, including the bathroom, with abundant natural daylight.
Furnishings combine pieces from international brands like Dareels and Organic Design with local craftsmanship, including rustic wooden stools by master carpenter Tomeu Seguí from Inca. The reed-covered vaulted ceilings throughout recall typical Mallorcan construction methods, while ceramic pieces by Pere Coll appear consistently throughout the home, reinforcing the connection to local artistic traditions.
The result is an open home filled with comfort, warmth, and light that serves as a perfect sanctuary for young family life. Can Gallineta stands as a testament to how contemporary architecture can respectfully integrate with traditional Mediterranean building practices while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental responsibility and family-centered design.
