Mallorca based architecture and design practice Isla Architects has renovated an old Mallorcan townhouse in Banyalbufar, Spain with all-white interiors and colurful furniture pieces. 

Named Ca’n Rei, the house is located in Banyalbufar, a coastal village nestled within the mountain range of the Serra de Tramuntana. The renovation process involved the restoration of the main structure, roof and facade, as well as rearranging the interiors.

The interior spaces feature clean lines, flowing surfaces and white-painted vaulted ceilings, adding a modern touch to the existing structure. 

"The main strategy consisted on removing all non-original elements added over the years in order to enhance the character of the house, from floors to furniture," said Isla Architects.

"Once cleaned, new contemporary elements were introduced."

"This balance between new and old, sleek and rustic brings a new life to Can Rei, allowing to understand traditional architecture through a contemporary lens," the office added.

Kitchen.The studio hides the kitchen within the walls in order to enhance the purity of the vaulted ceiling room. According to the studio, this also allows for flexibility in the space. 

The team enlarges existing niches to provide extra space and accommodate appliances such as a fridge, oven and washing machine, and all necessary storage for tableware, kitchen utensils, food, and cleaning supplies.

The stove is placed below the window, offering the experience of cooking with views over the Mediterranean Sea and connecting the kitchen to the exterior terrace space.

The kitchen sink is made out of tinted concrete and is hand-hammered, to express its materiality, as a contemporary reinterpretation of a traditional Mallorcan stone sink.

The tap is a simple, custom-made bent brass pipe. A bright red table – designed especially for the room- becomes the node of the concealed kitchen, allowing meals, work, or celebration to happen.

The living. The space was cleaned to emphasize the original furniture of the house as well as the new additions. Non-original cement tiles were replaced by a “trispol” lime floor, recovering the house’s material essence while enhancing the connection between inside and outside. 

The vaulted ceiling was treated with quicklime in the traditional manner, achieving a smooth, pure and bright white surface. A pivotant light allows to displace the action from the kitchen to the living space.

Bathroom. Gaining height, purifying the geometry, and significantly enlarging the window creates a more comfortable and brighter space.

A smooth concrete surface for floors and walls replaced the non-original tiles and contrasts with the rustic, ancient stone wall uncovered during construction. Boiler and bathroom storage are hidden behind a secret door.

Bedroom and library. A local, handmade terracotta floor replaced the non-original cement tiles, achieving a warmer, smoother feeling in the space.

Windows were opened in the rear facade, allowing for cross-ventilation. Original Mallorcan beds were kept as core elements of the rooms. The height of this traditional furniture allows to enjoy sea views.

Exterior. Both the roof and rear facade were renovated following traditional construction techniques, and new windows were opened in the upper floor to allow for cross-ventilation.

Following the Mallorcan medieval tradition of painting the underside of the roof tile canopy – “teules pintades” – artist Luis Urculo was invited to reinterpret this popular pictorial expression. The rust-color symbols are meant to bring good luck and keep away bad spirits from the inhabitants of the house.

Basement floor plan

Ground floor plan

First floor plan

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Project facts

Project name: Ca’n Rei

Architects: Isla Architects

Location: Banyalbufar, Mallorca, Spain 

Date: 2017

Other participants: Artqork roof canopy: Luis Urculo (Teules pintades)

All images © Luis Díaz Díaz.

All drawings © Isla Architects.

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