Location: Palma de Mallorca, Spain.

Architect: OHLAB.

Casa Xaloc is a modern interpretation of traditional Mediterranean architecture located in Son Vida, a residential area on the outskirts of Palma de Mallorca. The house is built on a steep plot with a southeast orientation, providing panoramic views of the bay of Palma. The design of the house is influenced by the topography and natural environment of the area, resulting in a semi-underground house that adapts to the high slope of the land. The house is constructed using traditional building systems such as the Catalan vault and the Majorcan “escars”. The vaulted geometry of the “escars” creates spaces by juxtaposing vaults that penetrate the terrain and form patios. The architecture is energy-efficient, benefiting from the thermal inertia of the ground and the east-west oriented openings that allow for cross ventilation. The windows are recessed to block the sun in summer while allowing it in during winter. Skylights are also incorporated into the design to ensure south-facing light throughout the year. The house is designed to blend with the surrounding landscape, with vegetation taking over the facades and roofs and entering the house through patios. The interior spaces emerge from the terrain, blurring the boundaries between inside and outside. The house faces southeast while blending with the hillside, adopting a wild, Mediterranean and native vegetation. Overall, Casa Xaloc is a contemporary interpretation of traditional Mediterranean architecture that responds to the topography, natural environment, and panoramic views of the area. The design incorporates traditional building systems and energy-efficient features while blending with the surrounding landscape.

Photo credit: OHLAB.