‘Casa Óculo was impressed by a mix of Mediterranean vernacular structure, a powerful curiosity in sensory expertise, and a fascination with the passage of time,’ say the architects and co-founders of OHLAB, Paloma Hernaiz and Jaime Oliver. The Spanish studio is reflecting on its current mission, a single-family Mallorcan home positioned in a residential neighbourhood on the outskirts of Palma – the place the follow can also be based mostly.
Inside Casa Óculo, a Mallorcan home redefining island residing
(Picture credit score: José Hevia)
The mission is outlined by its massive flat roof, which stretches east to west and seamlessly blends into the horizon. It’s a easy, but daring architectural gesture, beneath which areas are rhythmically delineated by thick, lime-rendered partitions.
(Picture credit score: José Hevia)
‘Time performs a key function in the home – not solely within the day by day motion of daylight by the oculus, which marks the hours like a home sundial, but additionally in a slower, subtler approach: by the supplies themselves,’ say Hernaiz and Oliver.
(Picture credit score: José Hevia)
‘The lime mortar partitions are alive – they age, breathe, and slowly develop a patina that provides depth and texture over time. This concept of structure that improves with age and connects to pure rhythms was central to our idea.’
(Picture credit score: José Hevia)
Paradoxically, the simplicity of the geometry proved to be one of many architects’ best challenges inside the mission. They clarify: ‘Attaining that readability required excessive precision – from reducing the oculus into the roof to aligning and proportioning the load-bearing partitions, and integrating pure supplies like stone, wooden, and brass in a approach that felt easy.’
(Picture credit score: José Hevia)
The workforce chosen supplies that may climate fantastically over time. Their purpose was to in the end develop the best texture and tone for his or her lime mortars. The fabric palette additionally consists of stone flooring, picket carpentry and pure brass particulars.
(Picture credit score: José Hevia)
A vibrant Mediterranean backyard enhances the structure and was seen as a further materials within the mission. This out of doors house merges effortlessly with the encompassing context and extends the character of the close by mountains into the residing areas.
(Picture credit score: José Hevia)
‘We hope [residents] really feel a way of calm, safety, and softness,’ Hernaiz and Oliver inform Wallpaper*. ‘The home is supposed to be each introspective and open – it gives privateness and enclosure, however at all times stays linked to the sky and the panorama.
(Picture credit score: José Hevia)
‘The daylight coming into by the oculus brings a quiet rhythm to the areas, marking the day in a delicate and ever-changing approach. The oculus creates an emotional and poetic connection to time. It’s a reminder of nature’s cycles and the way structure can quietly body and have fun them.’
