The house in a fig orchard near Es Trenc is arranged entirely on the first floor, with shaded workshops and studios at field level. Over one third of the external facade is glazed to maximise the undisturbed views across the southern Mallorcan plane as far as the Tramuntana mountain range. A flexible internal layout provides an open vista of over 40 metres through internal spaces ending amongst the fig canopy in either direction, whilst maintaining essential internal privacy and domestic scale through angled walls and pivoting screens. A cinematic sequence of panoramic views through the spaces to the surrounding landscape is coupled with changes of materials and subtle adjustment of proportions to characterise different spaces and uses throughout the house. The rhythm of floor to ceiling windows which slide disappearing within the external walls punctuates the east south and west facades capturing maximum sunlight and solar warmth during winter months, while avoiding overheating in summer through shading and cross ventilation, creating a sense of spaciousness and continuity to external terraces and the fig orchard beyond.
Taking maximum advantage of the site's natural resources, the building is entirely self sufficient. Fresh water is pumped from a well, electricity is provided entirely by a solar tracking photovoltaic array, hot water is supplied by solar panels, cooling is controlled by careful use of shades, cross ventilation, and ventilation cavities aligned with the prevailing summer sea breezes. The entire building is highly insulated, heat is produced by a single central free-standing fireplace creating a focus to the winter life of the house and studio while maximising the space-heating efficiency of the wood burning stove.
Local materials are used throughout,maintaining close relationship with the immediate architectural context and sensitivity to the surrounding landscape. The fig orchard has remained a productive organic field throughout construction and habitation of the building.
