A Modern Take on Traditional Mallorcan Architecture by Peris+Toral Arquitectes
Peris+Toral Arquitectes, a Spanish architectural studio, has designed a striking social housing block in Son Servera, Mallorca, known as Living in Lime. This project comprises 42 housing units and employs a design approach that minimizes its visual impact on the surrounding village, integrating seamlessly with the traditional Mallorcan architectural style.
Architectural Design
Traditional Inspiration:
Living in Lime draws inspiration from the local architecture, characterized by limestone and sandstone facades, load-bearing stone walls, and sloping Arab tile roofs. This approach ensures the new building respects and complements the historical and cultural context of the area.
“This social housing project takes as a reference its setting, characterized by the presence of sandstone facades and walls that contain gardens, and sloping Arab tile roofs,” explained Peris+Toral Arquitectes.
Layout and Structure:
The building is split into two low-lying blocks, which helps in maintaining a minimal scale relative to the surrounding structures. These blocks are separated by an open walkway, providing access to the apartments and creating a dynamic circulation space. The walkways are sheltered by large concrete “ribs,” offering both protection and a distinctive architectural feature.
“One of the major challenges was to minimise the scale of the intervention,” said founding partner José Toral. “This was addressed by dividing the building into two sections that conform to the site’s topography, creating elevated streets akin to those in the village.”
Entrances and Semi-Private Spaces:
Each apartment has an “entrance box” surrounded by slatted wooden screens, forming a semi-private porch area. This design fosters a sense of privacy and personal space while maintaining the open, communal feel of the building.
Courtyard Design:
At the northern and southern ends of the site, the design incorporates two distinct sunken courtyards. One serves as an entrance plaza, creating a welcoming communal space, while the other is a planted courtyard, offering a green oasis overlooked by the apartments.
Material Selection:
The choice of materials is heavily influenced by local availability and traditional building practices. The exterior features a combination of concrete and load-bearing stones, with heavy limestone used at ground level for durability, and lighter yellow-toned sandstone used in the upper sections for a cohesive aesthetic.
“The selection of materials was influenced by local proximity, inspired by the vernacular architecture of Mallorca to maximise their performance,” Toral added.
Interior Finishes:
The interiors of the apartments are designed with simplicity and durability in mind. Pale concrete finishes define the circulation spaces, while lime plaster and wood dominate the living areas, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Each apartment also includes a small terrace, accessed through full-height glass doors and sheltered by a metal mesh screen, blending indoor and outdoor living.
Sustainability and Local Impact:
Living in Lime not only respects the traditional architectural language of Mallorca but also adheres to sustainable building practices. The use of locally sourced materials and the integration of green spaces help reduce the environmental footprint of the project, aligning with contemporary sustainability goals.
Conclusion
Peris+Toral Arquitectes’ Living in Lime project exemplifies a thoughtful and respectful approach to modern social housing. By embracing traditional materials and architectural forms, the project harmonizes with its historic surroundings while providing functional, contemporary living spaces for its residents. This balance of old and new makes Living in Lime a standout example of sensitive and sustainable architectural design.
Photography: José Hevia
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