A groundbreaking residential project in Puigpunyent, Mallorca has emerged as a model for sustainable architecture, combining traditional island building techniques with cutting-edge environmental technology. The Ses Veles Housing development, designed by Alventosa Morell Arquitectes in collaboration with Joan Josep Fortuny Giró, represents a significant achievement in eco-friendly construction, demonstrating how modern housing can achieve near-zero energy consumption while respecting local cultural heritage.
The project, commissioned by IBAVI (Balearic Housing Institute), spans 400 square meters and was completed in 2024. The building features a traditional two-story design with a gabled roof, housing six residential units distributed across two floors. The ground floor accommodates four one-bedroom apartments, each with direct access to private outdoor spaces, while the upper level contains two larger two-bedroom units that open onto individual exterior terraces.
What sets this development apart is its commitment to local materials and traditional construction methods. The exterior walls feature cyclopean lime construction incorporating stones and earth excavated directly from the building site. Interior partitions utilize island-produced ceramics filled with leftover sand from nearby quarries, finished with natural clay and straw mixtures. All wood elements, including flooring and carpentry, carry FSC certification, ensuring sustainable forest management practices.
The architects prioritized local sourcing throughout the construction process. Interior lime floors, exterior pavements, ceramic tiles, and roof tiles were all sourced from nearby suppliers, significantly reducing transportation costs and environmental impact. This approach not only minimized the project's carbon footprint but also supported the local economy and helped preserve traditional island crafts and construction techniques.
Energy efficiency represents a cornerstone of the design philosophy. The building achieves remarkable environmental performance with energy consumption of just 1.7 kWh per square meter annually, qualifying it as a Nearly Zero Energy Building (NZEB). This exceptional efficiency results from strategic passive design elements, including optimized solar orientation for winter heat gain, cross-ventilation systems, comprehensive solar protection, and high thermal mass in both floors and walls.
A key innovation is the "trombe" roof system, which captures and stores heat during winter months while facilitating natural ventilation in summer. This passive climate control system, combined with hygroscopic and breathable materials that naturally regulate humidity, eliminates the need for active heating and cooling systems. Private patios serve dual purposes as outdoor living spaces and natural ventilation control elements for residents.
The project's environmental credentials extend beyond energy efficiency. Life Cycle Analysis reveals a construction carbon footprint of just 230 kg CO2 per square meter, representing a 50% reduction compared to conventional building methods. The development achieves a 50% reduction in overall CO2 emissions and implements circular design principles that result in 60% less construction waste.
Sustainability considerations influenced every aspect of the design process. The architects specifically designed building systems to allow material separation and reuse in the event of future demolition. This forward-thinking approach ensures that the building's environmental benefits extend throughout its entire lifecycle, from construction through eventual deconstruction.
The residential units themselves emphasize flexibility and adaptability. Open floor plans center around the kitchen as the primary gathering space, with living areas flowing seamlessly between indoor and outdoor spaces. This layout maximizes natural light penetration while creating versatile spaces that can adapt to residents' changing needs over time.
Beyond its environmental achievements, the Ses Veles project represents a successful integration of contemporary housing needs with traditional Mallorcan architectural values. By incorporating vernacular materials and time-tested construction techniques, the development maintains visual and cultural continuity with the surrounding landscape while meeting modern standards for comfort and efficiency.
The project has garnered recognition for its innovative approach to sustainable residential development. Photography by José Hevia documents the seamless integration of traditional and contemporary elements, showcasing how thoughtful design can honor cultural heritage while addressing pressing environmental challenges.
This development serves as a compelling example of how architectural innovation can support both environmental sustainability and cultural preservation. By demonstrating that high-performance buildings can be achieved using local materials and traditional techniques, the Ses Veles Housing project offers a replicable model for sustainable development in Mediterranean climates and beyond.
