Mediterranean Villa 01 by Metroarea Architetti Associati on the Balearic Islands

Project: Mediterranean Villa 01 Architects: Metroarea Architetti Associati Location: Balearic Islands, Spain Area: 11,840 sq ft Photography: Fernando Alda

Mediterranean Villa 01 by Metroarea Architetti Associati

Metroarea Architetti Associati has completed the stunning Mediterranean Villa 01 project on the Balearic Islands of Spain. This 12,000 square foot home includes everything. Contemporary design immortalizes the region's maritime roots and expands them using luxurious outdoor zones surrounding the building on all sides.

The main idea of the building is to combine Mediterranean culture with the natural environment.

Inspired by Roman villas and Spanish and Arab heritage, the house is shaped through a natural lexicon of Italian expressionism (Moretti, Micheliucci etc.), which also retains a strong memory of Rudolf Steiner. For Metroarea, designing a modern building in 2016 essentially means establishing a meaningful dialogue with history and nature.

For example, continuous internal-external interaction is achieved through large glass windows filtered by hanging gardens, canopies and custom-made bamboo blinds reminiscent of traditional canopies and Mudejar lattice elements.

A typical central courtyard serves as a pivot point for the complex network of multi-level paths and, at the same time, was used as a water collection point. It is supplemented with a waterfall and stream connecting two pools.

The form of the villa follows the natural slope of the land and perfectly lies on the hillside, resembling an amphitheater surrounded by nature.

The use of simple materials such as rough concrete and dry walls emphasizes the desire to avoid the popular image of luxury, instead aiming for a connection with the island, land and its traditions. The result is informal and hospitable in line with lessons from Busiri Vici, Cuello and Vietti.

Most materials are custom-made or produced directly on site. The use of simple materials such as rough concrete and dry walls emphasizes the desire to avoid the popular image of luxury, instead aiming for a connection with the island, land and its traditions. The result is informal and hospitable in line with lessons from Busiri Vici, Cuello and Vietti. Custom-made bamboo blinds resemble traditional canopies and Mudejar lattice elements. The concrete was produced on-site since there was no cement plant on the island guaranteeing the density of the concrete.

–Metroarea Architetti Associati