Ca na Pau, an architectural oasis on the island of Mallorca designed by Munarq studio

Living in the countryside means being exposed to the elements and having a sense of openness. To counteract this, this house designed by the Munarq studio incorporates the concept of a courtyard, with a surface area equal to that of the main house. This carefully designed space adapts to changing needs, serving as a sanctuary where people can gather, reflect and socialise.

The interaction between open and closed elements fosters a sense of community while allowing for moments of solitude and introspection. The openings not only frame the surrounding landscape, but also invite natural light to filter through, enhancing the ambience and creating a dynamic interaction between the indoor and outdoor environments.

The materials used in the construction blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings, emphasising sustainability and harmony with the environment. Earth, lime and stones come together to form the structure, reflecting a commitment to traditional building techniques and local resources.

The grouping creates a hierarchical space to be occupied, conceived as a versatile boundary where different situations can occur. It is an enclosure protected from the sun, the wind and the immensity of the countryside, enclosing you in a semi-enclosed space while opening up openings that offer views.

Oasis

The term oasis is defined as “respite, rest, refuge from the hardships or adversities of life“. This architectural oasis concept: vegetation, water, isolated from the surrounding landscape and also as a vital refuge.

The void creates a space that serves as a secondary living room. It is more public, but still provides the necessary intimacy. This spatial dichotomy evokes the memory of a house without a roof, eroded by the passage of time.

Ballasting, a local technique used in Mallorca in the 1950s.

The construction system is based on ballast walls (earth mixed with aggregates of various sizes, stone and lime). For the interior enclosure walls, the ballast is 25 cm thick, with 10 cm of wood fibre insulation and a 20 cm thick local ceramic brick wall. Waterproofing is achieved with an open diffusion membrane placed between the two walls to ensure the breathability of the enclosures.

The open diffusion membrane is crucial for managing moisture, allowing adequate ventilation and preventing moisture build-up that can lead to structural damage. This approach to waterproofing promotes the overall longevity of the building while maintaining a healthy indoor environment.

By combining traditional materials with modern techniques, the ballasted wall system creates a harmonious balance between functionality and sustainability, reflecting a deep respect for environmental and architectural principles.

Ballast walls

Ballast walls represent a sustainable and innovative approach to construction, harnessing natural materials to create efficient and durable structures.

The use of soil mixed with aggregates and lime not only provides structural stability, but also contributes to thermal mass, helping to regulate interior temperatures.

The inclusion of wood fibre insulation increases the energy efficiency of the building by reducing heat loss and improving comfort. Local ceramic bricks add an additional layer of thermal protection and durability.

The thatched roof

The roof is insulated using 35x40x80 cm thatched blocks, which are placed between glulam beams. This configuration creates a dense, well-integrated insulating layer that provides thermal performance superior to 30 cm of extruded polystyrene.

Straw blocks not only offer excellent insulating properties, but also contribute to sustainable building practices by using natural and renewable materials. The combination of thatch and glulam improves the overall energy efficiency of the building, helping to effectively regulate indoor temperatures.

Straw blocks, wedged between the rafters, form a solid thermal barrier that minimises heat loss and improves indoor comfort. In addition, this natural insulating material promotes moisture regulation and breathability, crucial for maintaining a healthy indoor climate.

The use of straw is in line with green building principles, as it reduces reliance on synthetic materials and reduces the environmental impact of the building. This method also contributes to the durability of the building, as straw is strong and effective in creating a comfortable environment, while promoting sustainable building practices.

Interior earth plastering

Inside, the partition walls are clad with a mixture of earth and lime, which creates a favourable hygrothermal environment for our humid climate. This traditional technique not only improves the thermal performance of the building, but also contributes to improving indoor air quality by regulating humidity levels.

This approach not only improves energy efficiency, but also reduces the risk of mould and condensation, making it particularly suitable for regions with high humidity. In addition, the use of local materials aligns with sustainable building practices, offering both environmental and economic benefits.

The mixture of earth and lime acts as a natural buffer, absorbing and releasing moisture to maintain a comfortable and stable indoor climate.

Project: Ca Na Pau. Oasis de tierra.
Architecture: Munarq. Rafel Munar y Pau Munar.
Location: Binissalem (Mallorca).
Finished: 2024.
Photography: Ricard Lopez.
Text: Munarq.

Munarq

Munarq is an architectural studio based in Mallorca founded by Rafel Munar and Pau Munar focused on the integration of architecture in the Mediterranean landscape. Always trying to bring new ideas to the island’s building tradition.

To be successful we try to solve complex problems in the most direct and efficient way. We are deeply focused on respecting our land and therefore we always think about sustainable construction that affects our landscape as little as possible, using natural materials and mutations that are favourable to our environment. Dealing with a wide range of clients and all their requirements and possibilities, we look for the simplest solutions to be fundamentally efficient and pragmatic.

Project by Munarq. Rafel Munar y Pau Munar