Son Vallfogó Gran A Modern Oasis in Mallorca: Tradition Meets Contemporary Luxury 

See publication in Architectural Digest magazine

This Mallorcan home, featured in the prestigious Architectural Digest magazine, is a perfect fusion of Balearic tradition and contemporary design 

Thank you to @carbonell_exclusive for their excellent work in managing the direction of the Son Vallfogó Gran project

This month, Architectural Digest celebrates a project by Brunet Arquitectes in Mallorca, an architectural gem that reinterprets the island’s tradition with a modern approach. Located in a privileged enclave, this luxury residence is much more than a home; it is a sanctuary designed to live in harmony with nature and the surrounding landscape. In the spacious courtyards and terraces of this property, one could spend the entire year, enjoying an environment that invites relaxation and disconnection. 

An architecture that breathes tradition and modernity 

Conceived by the renowned Brunet Arquitectes studio, this 398,36 m² property in the Es Pla area is characterised by its organic connection to the surroundings. The house has been designed in independent blocks, a clear reference to the traditional building typology of the Balearic Islands, where rural houses expanded through square pavilions added as the family grew. Here, these volumes house the main areas of the home: the kitchen, the dining room and living room, the master bedroom with en-suite bathroom, and three additional bedrooms. Each pavilion is connected via a central axis, allowing fluid access between spaces while ensuring independence and privacy in each area. 

The organisation of the volumes reflects a deep respect for the site’s topography. The house is situated on an elevated area, minimising its visual impact and achieving a natural integration with the terrain. From the outside, the pavilions seem to blend seamlessly with the landscape, in a design that prioritises the preservation of the rural environment and panoramic views to the south, taking full advantage of natural light. 

Spaces designed for year-round outdoor living 

One of the most remarkable aspects of this project is the way it blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior. The house has been designed so that everyday activities can extend to the courtyards, terraces, and gardens, making the outdoor space an additional part of the home. The generously proportioned rooms are oriented towards the south, ensuring optimal natural light throughout the day, while large windows provide stunning views of the landscape from every corner. 

The design not only seeks aesthetic beauty but also functionality and comfort. The courtyards act as the lungs of the home, creating microclimates that naturally regulate the temperature. In summer, the shaded courtyards offer a cool retreat, while in winter, the large windows allow sunlight to warm the interiors efficiently. Additionally, the covered terraces and pergolas provide shaded areas for outdoor relaxation, even on the hottest days. 

The luxury of privacy and togetherness 

This home has been designed to meet the needs of its owners, a European couple with three daughters who wanted a space that allowed them to enjoy family life without compromising privacy. The distribution into independent pavilions is an ideal solution for the “together but apart” lifestyle, where the common spaces foster togetherness, but each family member has their own private retreat. 

The master bedroom, with an en-suite bathroom and dressing room, is located in an independent pavilion, separated from the other bedrooms. This design ensures privacy for the parents, while the daughters have their own spaces in another pavilion, each with access to private terraces and small gardens. The common areas, such as the living room and dining room, are spacious and bright, with large windows that open onto the exterior, creating a seamless flow between indoor and outdoor living. 

A dialogue with Balearic architectural tradition 

Brunet Arquitectes has masterfully reinterpreted traditional Mallorcan architecture, integrating characteristic elements such as stone walls, sloped Arabic-tiled roofs, and wide porches into a contemporary design that meets the demands of modern living. The choice of materials has been key in achieving this fusion between tradition and modernity. The walls are clad in beige-reddish stone from the Llevant region, giving the house a warm hue that blends with the landscape. Wood, used in the windows and shutters, adds a sense of warmth and authenticity that complements the rustic character of the home. 

Special attention has also been given to the house’s volumetric composition, ensuring that it harmoniously integrates with the landscape. The volumes are slightly staggered to avoid an overly long façade, and the sloped roofs, combined with flat roofs in the connecting areas, break the monotony, creating a sense of dynamism and spatial variety. This play of volumes also allows for the creation of different outdoor spaces, such as terraces and courtyards, each with its own character and function. 

Courtyards and terraces: the soul of the house 

The courtyards are the heart of this Mallorcan home. Each one has been designed to offer a unique and distinct experience. From the entrance courtyard, which welcomes visitors with a pergola of climbing plants, to the more intimate domestic courtyard connected to the kitchen and outdoor dining area, every outdoor space has been carefully planned to allow enjoyment of the Mediterranean climate year-round. 

The main terrace, located in front of the living room, is shaded by a pergola that provides protection from the sun during the day, while the private terraces of the bedrooms feature small gardens that ensure privacy. The pool, located at a lower level than the guest bedrooms, offers the perfect place to cool off during the hot summer days, while the adjacent solarium allows for peaceful sunbathing. 

A design mindful of the environment 

Although not certified under the Passivhaus standard, this home incorporates numerous elements that promote sustainability and energy efficiency. The large windows, strategically oriented, allow for cross-ventilation, which naturally regulates the interior temperature. The courtyards and terraces act as climate regulators, creating cool airflows in the summer and allowing sunlight to enter during the winter months. Moreover, the use of local materials not only reduces the building’s carbon footprint but also ensures better integration with the landscape. 

A peaceful oasis in the heart of the Mediterranean 

This home is a true sanctuary for its owners, who have found the perfect balance between family life, privacy, and connection with nature. Brunet Arquitectes has succeeded in creating a space that breathes tradition and modernity, where luxury resides in the simplicity of the forms and the connection with the surrounding environment. A place where time seems to stand still, and every corner invites one to be fully enjoyed. 

See publication in Architectural Digest magazine

See project Son Vallfogó Gran