Patios and Spaces with Character: The Distinctive Value of Outdoor Areas in the Projects of Brunet Arquitectes
Patios and outdoor spaces are an essential element in the projects by Brunet Arquitectes, endowing each home with a unique identity and a distinctive touch that combines aesthetics, functionality, and respect for Mediterranean building traditions. From the very first sketch, the studio conceives these areas as natural extensions of the interior, creating spaces where light, vegetation, and stone blend harmoniously with the daily life of those who live there.
A clear example of this concept is the Es Pinaret villa, where a large window connects the living area with a central landscaped patio. Thanks to this opening, a seamless transition between indoors and outdoors is established, creating a family-friendly and welcoming environment—ideal for enjoying outdoor meals or social gatherings in a private setting. The choice of materials, such as local stone and wooden finishes, imparts a strong rustic character that, in turn, blends perfectly with the surrounding Mediterranean vegetation.
In projects like Ca Na Llarga, Son Vallfogó 02, Es Rafal 02, Son Maina 02, or Son Suau, the architectural essence remains the same: patios designed as focal points that distribute light and foster natural ventilation in every room. These outdoor nooks are also envisioned as multipurpose areas: reading corners, relaxation spots with outdoor armchairs or sofas, open-air dining spaces to enjoy local cuisine, and, in general, perfect places to experience the Mediterranean lifestyle. The inclusion of native vegetation—such as olive trees, lemon trees, bougainvilleas, or aromatic plants—and the use of latticework or pergolas provide coolness and shade during the hottest months, reinforcing a sense of well-being.
Spaces Through Large Windows in Mallorcan Stone Walls
In addition to the importance of patios, Brunet Arquitectes pays special attention to opening large windows in the traditional Mallorcan stone walls. This architectural solution, integrated with aesthetic and constructive principles, allows a significant amount of natural light to enter the interiors, while ensuring fresh air circulation and a visual connection with the surroundings.
In the case of bedrooms, these windows are especially relevant for enhancing the sensation of space and improving the occupants’ quality of life. The morning light can delicately filter through the window, offering a serene awakening in harmony with the surrounding nature. Likewise, the proper placement of these openings enables cross ventilation, reducing the need for air conditioning and maintaining a pleasant temperature year-round.
The Mallorcan stone walls, characteristic of the island’s traditional architecture, also provide natural thermal and acoustic insulation, making bedrooms with large windows surprisingly peaceful and very comfortable. To ensure privacy, Brunet Arquitectes incorporates elements such as wooden shutters, blinds, or latticework that can regulate the amount of incoming light while still preserving the residents’ privacy.
This approach of creating windows in thick stone walls not only offers a strong aesthetic impact but also reinforces the connection with the landscape. In this way, even from the inside of the home, one can view the garden, interior patios, or the natural environment, generating a sense of continuity with the exterior. Each large window thus becomes a living picture framing the island’s beauty, completing the experience of inhabiting a space that breathes history, Mediterranean culture, and profound respect for nature.
Patios become a key element in passive house design due to their ability to naturally regulate temperature and improve interior thermal comfort. By strategically placing trees and combining vegetation with pergolas or lattice screens, a filter is created that allows diffuse light in and reduces direct solar radiation during the hottest months of the year. This arrangement lowers the need for artificial cooling systems, since air circulates more efficiently and the shadows cast help protect the most exposed areas. Additionally, the presence of windows oriented towards these outdoor spaces enhances cross ventilation, channeling cool air inside while expelling accumulated heat. Thus, the patio acts as a “natural engine” for the passive house, favoring thermal balance and minimizing energy usage. Furthermore, the integration of plant elements not only brings freshness but also helps improve air quality and harmonizes with the surroundings. In essence, these solutions highlight the versatility and significance of patios in sustainable, environmentally conscious architecture.
In short, the creation of patios and the incorporation of large windows in Mallorcan stone walls are distinctive features of the architectural philosophy of Brunet Arquitectes. Through this combination, a fluid dialogue between the rustic and the contemporary is achieved, while enhancing brightness, comfort, and enjoyment of outdoor living. Each project thus becomes a unique refuge, where Balearic tradition merges with modern housing needs, offering spaces filled with charm, harmony, and comfort.
