Local stone, deep reveals, and controlled apertures shape Casa Fly as sustainable architecture for Mallorca’s coastal climate.

Project Overview

Casa Fly is a private residence in Mallorca by beef architekti that translates the island’s dry stone tradition, Pedra en sec, into a robust contemporary envelope. The house positions itself within sustainable architecture through thick stone walls for thermal mass, recessed openings for shading, and natural ventilation strategies, aligning construction logic with place, climate, and daily use.

Inside, a restrained palette—local stone, lime plaster, wood, and concrete—supports a clear spatial diagram and custom detailing. A sculptural bronze piece anchors the entrance hall, while a vertical timber-slat stair element organizes circulation. Large openings frame sea views, and an infinity pool extends the primary axis outward, binding the main living spaces to the horizon.

The exterior of Casa Fly showcases Mallorca’s traditional stone work alongside modern design.

Site and Urban Context

Set among pine trees with expansive sea views, the house steps with the sloping terrain to stage distinct vantage points: lower levels focus on the coastline, while upper rooms capture glimpses of the illuminated city at night. Orientation, shading, and the thermal inertia of the stone respond to strong Mediterranean sun and seasonal shifts.

Design Concept

The facade reinterprets Mallorca’s retaining walls and fences built with Pedra en sec, using locally quarried stone. Massing reads as a layered stone volume punctuated by deep window reveals, folding shutters, and covered outdoor rooms. The approach pairs vernacular construction logic with a minimal, open interior plan—an attitude comparable to TEd’A et alii’s House in Colònia de Sant Pere and the typological reframing seen in Reimagining the Andalusian Cortijo.

Stylish staircase within Casa Fly emphasizes clean lines and natural materials.

Spatial Organization

Arrival occurs at an upper entry where the bronze figure faces outward to the view. From here, a stair descends to the primary living level. The timber-slat element alongside the stair reads as an interior spine, filtering light and framing movement between zones. The main floor consolidates living, dining, and kitchen into a single volume that opens to a covered outdoor dining terrace through large sliding doors. Above, a simple hallway links bedrooms and bathrooms, maintaining the consistent material language. A gym set against floor-to-ceiling glazing reveals site rock formations as an integral interior surface.

Minimalistic open space reflects Mediterranean aesthetics with natural light.

Materials and Facade

Stone: A dry stone-inspired facade references UNESCO-listed Pedra en sec, forming a thick, high-inertia envelope. Interior finishes: Lime plaster, wood joinery, and exposed concrete create warm, durable surfaces. Joinery and details: Folding wooden shutters and vertical slatted timber elements manage light, privacy, and texture. Kitchen: Flush wood cabinetry and a stainless-steel alcove establish a crisp working zone; a substantial timber-topped island becomes the social core.

Light, Climate, and Atmosphere in sustainable architecture

Deeply recessed openings and operable timber shutters mitigate solar gain while preserving outward views. Multiple window orientations and skylights enable both horizontal and vertical air movement, supporting passive cooling across levels; concrete slabs temper daily heat swings. For related strategies, see the guide on cross ventilation in architecture.

Design Highlights

• Dry Stone Inspired Facade (pedra En Sec) Built With Locally Sourced Stone Establishes A Thermally Massive Envelope.

• Deeply Recessed Windows and Covered Terraces Provide Fixed Shading Calibrated To Mediterranean Sun Angles.

• Operable Folding Wooden Shutters Modulate Light, Privacy, and Airflow While Referencing Mallorcan Tradition.

• Open Plan Living, Dining, and Kitchen Connect Directly To A Covered Outdoor Dining Area Via Large Sliding Doors.

• Material Palette of Stone, Lime Plaster, Wood, and Concrete Creates Continuity From Exterior To Interior.

• A Vertical Timber Slat Stair Element Functions As An Interior Spine, Filtering Light and Defining Circulation.

• Infinity Pool Aligns The Main Axis Toward The Horizon, Extending Interior Sightlines To The Sea.

• A Gym Integrates Exposed Site Rock Behind Floor To Ceiling Glazing, Binding The Interior To The Terrain.

Key Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

What traditional technique informs the facade?

The envelope draws on Pedra en sec, the island’s dry stone construction tradition, using locally sourced stone to form a thick, high-inertia exterior.

How does the house address passive cooling?

Thermal mass from the stone walls, deep window reveals, operable wooden shutters, cross ventilation, skylight-assisted stack effect, and slab construction collectively reduce heat gain and support airflow.

How do interiors relate to the site?

Large openings frame sea views, and sliding doors connect living spaces to a covered terrace and infinity pool; the gym incorporates exposed site rock, extending the landscape indoors.

What is the core material palette?

Local stone, lime plaster, wood, and concrete, with stainless steel accents in the kitchen and custom-crafted furnishings.