On Menorca, the lesser known of Spain’s Balearic Islands, many locals consider traveling from one side of the island or the other—a distance of 46 kilometers (about 28.25 miles)—a considerable journey.

With endless turquoise beaches and pastoral fields, plus a diverse cultural heritage, perhaps there is little reason to go further afield. For one Menorcan family who decided to create a weekender on protected land in the island's interior, this certainly seems the case.

Before: Exterior

“The property has been in my family for generations, but it had fallen into disuse over time” says the homeowner, who goes by the name of Joan. “We decided to renovate it because of its heritage, and the emotional link we have to it.”

For the project, Joan entrusted Gabriel Montañés. The architect has carried out a number of renovations on Menorca and is a disciple of Glenn Murcutt—the famed Australian advocate for local craftsmanship and respect for nature. “Montañés’s ability to integrate contemporary elements without losing the essence of Menorca was key,” explains Joan.

After: Exterior

The two-story property dates from the 19th century, and it was once a farmhouse. An annex (used as a warehouse) was added some 30 years ago, and the property has a handful of structures once used for sheltering livestock. Joan’s main requirement was to open up the ground floor and establish a dialogue with the outdoors. The three bedrooms, each with its own en suite bath, would be placed on the upper floor.

"To adapt the home to modern living,” says Joan, “the biggest technical challenge was to preserve traditional architecture without increasing the surface area or volume of the building.”

Before: Property

Traditional architecture in Menorca is characterized by thick-walled, rectangular forms often made of marés—a golden-hued sandstone found on the island. Joan believes this vernacular style is special because builders of yore deeply connected their structures to the environment.

After: Property

Before: Ground floor

Casa T is south-facing, which means the southern facade gets the most sunlight and is protected from the tramontana, a fierce wind that blows in from the north. The northern side embraces the wide, open esparto grass fields of the Mediterranean landscape.

After: Kitchen/Dining Area

On the ground floor, family life revolves around the kitchen. The room’s focal point is a large, tailor-made island, used as much for eating as food preparation. Next to this, a long communal table and benches were made with wood rescued during renovation.

After: Living Areas

A fireplace from Cheminées Philippe warms the living room and the upstairs primary bedroom. Extra heating, if needed, is supplied by an underfloor system. " layout="bleed" credit="Photo by Adrià Goula" photoUserId=""/>

Throughout the home, walls and floors are painted white to allow original features, such as ceiling beams, to stand out. The exception is the living room, where a terracotta-tiled floor adds warmth—and a connection to the exterior patio.

Casa T uses an aerothermal system for hot water and air conditioning, which is only installed in the bedrooms, as cross ventilation and ceiling fans cool the ground floor adequately. There’s a fireplace in the living room, as well as underfloor heating. This combination of systems ensures a comfortable indoor temperature for all seasons.

After: Bedrooms

The upper level presents the more intimate areas of the home. Three double bedrooms, each with its own bathroom, accommodate the family of five. Restored beams are interspersed with marés tiles, and washbasins integrated into the sleeping areas add a touch of period authenticity. Storage is discreet and designed to enhance spaciousness.

Everywhere in the home, decor is kept to a minimum. “We opted for a minimalist approach that highlights the beauty of the space and the quality of the natural materials,” adds Joan. “We intend to maintain this design philosophy into the future in order to preserve serenity and balance.”

Outside, a patio was created with a polished concrete floor and wooden pergola. A small swimming pool evokes a traditional aljibe (rainwater cistern). “We used gravel to cover the soil, which reduces the need for watering,” explains Joan. “The plants are indigenous, respecting the natural landscape.”

“On the west side of the house, we planted deciduous mulberry trees which offer a natural and effective solution for climate control. In winter, by shedding their leaves, they allow the sun to penetrate and warm the outdoor areas.”

Joan’s favourite part of the home, however, is indoors. “I love the open area around the kitchen island, with the dining room and the openings to the outdoor terrace,” she says. “It is the most lived-in area of the house, and where the transition between indoors and outdoors flows naturally.”

More Before & After stories:

A Former Motorcycle Shop Roars to Life as a Breezy Home on Mallorca

In Madrid, a Family of Architects Turn a “Cave” Into a Light-Filled Apartment

In Merida, a Remodeled Concrete Bungalow Honors Tradition

Project Credits:

Architect of Record: Gabriel Montañés / @gabmontanes

Builder/General Contractor: Miquel Orfila SL

Civil Engineer: Mus & Seguí

Appears In

Before & After: In Menorca, a Family’s Crumbling Farmhouse Is Revived With Local Materials