Ca'n Rei
Isla architects has completed the renovation of an old Mallorcan townhouse in Banyalbufar – a coastal village nestled within the mountain range of the Serra de Tramuntana – that involved restoring the main structure, roof and facade, as well as rearranging the interiors.
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. Once cleaned, new contemporary elements were introduced.
This balance between new and old, sleek and rustic brings a new life to Ca'n Rei, allowing to understand traditional architecture through a contemporary lens.
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.
The kitchen is concealed within the walls in order to enhance the purity of the vaulted ceiling room. This allows for added flexibility in the space.
Existing niches were enlarged to accommodate appliances such as a fridge, oven and washing machine, and all necessary storage for tableware, kitchen utensils, food, and cleaning supplies.
The kitchen sink -produced by Huguet- 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.
The stove was placed below the window, offering the experience of cooking with views over the Mediterranean Sea and connecting the kitchen to the exterior terrace space.
Windows were opened in the rear facade, allowing for cross-ventilation.
A local, handmade terracotta floor replaced the non-original cement tiles
Original Mallorcan beds were kept as core elements of the rooms.
The height of this traditional furniture allows to enjoy sea views.
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.
