House In Puntiró / RipollTizon

Architects: RipollTizon
Area: 3218 ft²
Year: 2023
Photographs: José Hevia
Lead Architects: Pep Ripoll, Juan Miguel Tizón
Collaborators: Cristina Oliver, Sandra Bernalte, Maria Wolonciej, Carlos Antón
Surveyor: Toni Arqué
Structural Engineering: Jorge Martín Ortega
City: Palma
Country: Spain

House in Puntiró designed by RipollTizón in Palma adapts to a steeply sloped site overlooking the Bay of Palma, responding to local planning regulations that mandate a simple rectangular volume with a sloped ceramic-tiled roof. Positioned near a wooded area at the top of the plot, the house steps down with the terrain, forming a staggered layout closely tied to the land’s natural contours. Designed to accommodate extended visits by two families, it features two identical private wings, each with a master bedroom, bathroom, and multipurpose room, with shared spaces aligned diagonally toward the views. Three courtyards mediate between inside and outside, including one shaded by a light structure with climbing vegetation. Traditional construction with ceramic load-bearing walls and one-way slabs defines both spatial and structural character. A single-slope Arabic tiled roof houses a ventilated chamber for technical systems, while natural materials, rainwater harvesting, optimized ventilation, and thermal inertia support the building’s high energy performance and environmental integration.

The site where the house is located features a steep slope rising from the street and provides expansive views of the Bay of Palma. The planning regulations for the plot play a significant role in shaping the design, requiring buildings to have a primary structure with an essentially rectangular floor plan, a straightforward volumetric form, and a sloping roof finished with traditional ceramic tiles.

Located at the upper section of the plot, next to a wooded area and set back from the steep slope near the road, the dwelling is designed as a staggered home. It responds to the topography by unfolding across multiple levels that follow the natural contours of the land, creating a strong relationship with the surrounding outdoor environment.

Due to the frequent and extended visits from guests, the building is designed to comfortably host two families. The layout includes two separate private zones, each consisting of a master bedroom, an adjoining multipurpose room, and a bathroom, along with the shared communal spaces.

The building’s floor plan is nearly square. The private areas for both hosts and guests are identical in size and layout, positioned on adjacent sides of the plan to ensure each family’s independence. These zones are divided by shared spaces arranged along a diagonal axis that is oriented toward the surrounding views. This axis extends across the plan and culminates in the living room.

Three courtyards function as transitional zones between the interior and exterior. One of these courtyards is covered by a lightweight structure that supports climbing vegetation, forming a shaded and sheltered living area integrated with the building’s overall form. Each master bedroom has direct access to one of the courtyards, providing alternate circulation routes that emphasize the intended independence of the private zones.

Traditional construction methods are applied throughout the project. The structural system is composed of load-bearing walls and one-way slabs, which simultaneously define the living spaces, allowing the structural and spatial frameworks to align. The neutral exterior of the volume contrasts with the dynamic nature of the interior. A series of floor levels shapes the internal topography, accompanied by a staggered ceiling arrangement that culminates in a sloped roof finished with Arabic tiles. The roof follows a single slope parallel to the terrain and incorporates a ventilated, accessible air chamber that houses the building’s installations. In terms of finishes, the load-bearing walls are coated with lime mortar, while the beams and slabs remain exposed, contributing to the character of the interior space.

The building demonstrates excellent energy performance, achieved through the use of natural and locally sourced materials in combination with efficient systems. Its optimal orientation allows it to benefit from prevailing winds, maximizing natural ventilation. Courtyards function as landscaped intermediate zones that support thermal comfort. Rainwater is collected on-site. The ventilated roof and the ceramic load-bearing wall structure contribute to the building’s high thermal inertia, enhancing its overall environmental efficiency.