TRASLUZ

In the coveted southwest region of Mallorca, architecturally sophisticated modern design properties are the most sought-after but there are very few that offer family-friendly layouts on large plots. ‘Form’ has often taken priority over ‘function’, but TRASLUZ in the resort of Santa Ponsa is different – it has it all.

TRASLUZ is a spacious (660m² build area including covered terraces, 2,630m² plot size) modern family home suited to year-round living or long holidays with family and friends. Its design brief centred around big rooms, large terraces and generous gardens to accommodate plenty of people. One key design goal was to have everything on one level – something that is rarely found in Mallorca and only possible on a large or double plot (in the case of TRASLUZ) due to tight building regulations. Add in spectacular architecture, including traditional Mallorcan elements such as natural stone walls and indigenous planting, and the project’s direction and focus was set.

TRASLUZ is indeed very close to the sea, 100 metres on foot, but the property does not have a sea view as its major selling point or priority. On the one hand the coastal vista is only at its best from the first floor sunset terrace and VIP suite, and on the other hand the priority is instead on privacy, a substantial usable garden and lots of sunshine.

The main challenge presented by this project was to create the largest possible flat area to accommodate the pool and pool terraces at the same level. Due to the slope of the plot, and very strict building regulations, the architects had to study carefully where to place the house to gain the best possible sun orientation (south) and greatest privacy - while maintaining a good sea view from the roof terrace.

Speaking of the sea, as indicated above, TRASLUZ has an attractive sea view from the sunset terrace but this isn’t what the property is about – although it does mean you can stroll to the sea for a refreshing dip any time you like.

Although undoubtedly striking and modern in style, TRASLUZ has adopted an elegant timeless approach to its architecture ensuring that the property will age effortlessly in years to come. Key elements include a very modern angular white ‘framework’ working in harmony with hardwood brise soleil-style ‘cladding’ and a typically Mediterranean double-height natural stone wall (a type of wall which will be shortly recognised by UNESCO World Heritage) which dominates and extends all the way from the magnificent entrance through the living room and out to the swimming pool terrace. Vast expanses of frameless window façades and staggered ceiling heights add to the dramatic effect.

In the words of architect and interior designer Sandra Piñeiro Estarellas from Vidal Piñeiro Arquitectes: “The aim of the project was to create a modern, elegant and simple home. The home folds nicely around itself, welcoming the visitor and drawing him inside. The concept allows for these same folds to continue to the rear of the home embracing the communal outdoor space of swimming pool, garden, chillout and barbecue. The property has a large family in mind, clearly differentiating the most private ‘night-time’ zone from the ‘daytime’ zone, flowing smoothly from interior to exterior thanks to sliding windows which allow seamless inside-outside sightlines and communication.”

As Sandra explained, the outdoor area comprises a southeast-facing pool terrace which acts as an extension of the living area by way of windows which retract into the walls. The large covered terrace is the ideal spot for warm summer (and winter – this is Mallorca) days with friends and family at the 14 metre long pool which covers 80m² and has an infinity edge with cascade as well as a more shallow children’s pool with Jacuzzi function. An outside kitchen and barbecue are ideally located directly alongside the pool, while a separate chillout lounge provides a welcome moment of relaxation for the adults. In the busy southwest of Mallorca, this kind of outdoor area is rarely found. Grounds are generally not even half as large, making TRASLUZ truly unique. Families can enjoy that extra quality of life without sacrificing on architectural design or proximity to the sea.

The garden, more than 1,200m² of it landscaped, is essentially divided into two schemes – a very rustic Mediterranean entrance with a signature ancient olive tree focal point surrounded by native rosemary and lavender, followed by a rather more tropical touch to the pool area with banana trees, palms, bird of paradise flowers and evergreen cycads. Bright blue-hued plumbago will add accent colour while the existing pine trees remain to provide scent and shade. There’s also a very large 400m² lawn area for children to play. To boost privacy, particularly between TRASLUZ and the apartments of Edificio Formentera to its right, various screening plants will be used such as palms and oleander. The whole area will be bathed with a complex lighting system and discreet automatic irrigation.

Due to the large park-like plot, much attention was paid to a family-friendly design and layout, especially on the interior. Patrick Hansmeier from Sophisticated Projects explains, “The goal with the interior was to bear in mind that the home will most likely be used by a large family. Therefore we had to follow a narrow path between an extraordinary interior design that is not only unique up-to-date and matches with the modern and clean exterior architecture but also creates a cosy ambience for families to raise their children. Colours had to be neutral and warm, materials easy to maintain, robust and not too delicate - that why we chose the Italian tiled flooring instead of a natural stone, even though the tile is more expensive. At the same time the house should not be boring or a clone of most luxury houses you see for sale. Sophisticated interior design was needed to make TRASLUZ stand out and sell. We also assumed that the house is likely to be a main residence, or at least a property that future owners will spend more time in than the average second homeowner in Mallorca. Our design therefore had to be timeless and not follow a two year design trend that would fall out of fashion soon after.”

Daikin heat pump with a high-efficiency solar heating system for hot water, air-conditioning and heating systems, integrated air-conditioning systems, underfloor heating, Schüco triple glazing with alarm sensors, Home automation (JUNG - KNX) via smartphone, elaborate and individual carpentry work (doors, built - in cabinets etc.), false ceilings and indirect LED lighting, bathrooms with fittings from Duravit, Dornbracht, Vola, double garage, infinity pool (5.5x14m) with salt cleaning and pre-installation for heating, an integrated shallow children's pool with jacuzzi function, chill out lounge, sun terrace with sea view, office, individually usable rooms for gym, home cinema, spa, office further bedroom, interior and exterior floors with Italian tiles (format 90x90), bedrooms with oak wood floor, installed alarm system, gas fireplace in the living room, outside kitchen and BBQ, large garden with 1,350 m² garden / lawn area, well studied interior design by renowned architect and interior designer