Nestled in the tranquil embrace of Mallorca’s Tramuntana Mountains, the Olive Houses are a marvel of architectural harmony.
Designed by mar plus ask, this project showcases how human ingenuity can blend seamlessly with nature.
Each house tells a story of sustainable living, creativity, and the timeless beauty of the Mediterranean landscape.
1. Architectural Vision
High in Mallorca’s Tramuntana Mountains, mar plus ask crafted two off-grid sanctuaries.
Embraced by ancient olive trees, these homes whisper tales of harmony where man enhances nature, earning a UNESCO nod.
These dwellings invite admiration and contemplation, proving how architecture can enhance rather than disrupt the natural world.
2. Ingenious Design
The Olive Houses’ design is a testament to ingenuity. By dividing the footprint, they preserve nature’s allure.
The Purple House, adorned in a unique purple stucco, complements olive leaves’ dark tones.
Ingenious use of existing structures minimizes disruption while maximizing harmony, creating a cozy refuge amidst the mountain’s embrace.
3. Sustainable Living
Emphasizing sustainability, one house is half-buried in terraces, naturally regulating temperature.
Solar panels power essential amenities, while a natural spring feeds the shower, reflecting an eco-friendly ethos.
These houses, as minimalist as they are innovative, showcase how sustainable living can be achieved without compromising comfort or style.
4. Olive Leaf Inspiration
Inspired by the olive leaf, designers chose complementary colors to enhance visual appeal.
With purple for the dark side and pink for the light, these hues create vivid contrasts, highlighting the landscape’s beauty.
This choice not only pays homage to nature but also enriches the living experience with visual harmony.
5. Minimalist Charm
Inside, simplicity reigns. The Olive Houses offer just the essentials: a bed, shower, and fireplace.
The Purple House adds a bathroom, kitchen essentials, and solar-powered fridge.
This minimalist approach fosters a serene environment, allowing residents to connect deeply with nature and find tranquility away from modern life’s chaos.
6. Artistic Refuge
Owned by mar plus ask, these houses offer a sanctuary for architects, artists, and writers. Amidst nature’s embrace, creativity flourishes.
The tranquil setting encourages introspection and artistic expression, making it a beloved retreat for those seeking inspiration and solace in a world often filled with noise and distractions.
7. Historical Setting
Set among millennium-old olive trees on man-made terraces, the Olive Houses exist where history and nature entwine.
This magical setting, recognized by UNESCO, showcases the rare beauty when human intervention enhances, rather than detracts, from nature’s grandeur.
The houses are a living testament to this harmonious coexistence.
8. Hidden Shower
A hidden shower beneath a vaulted ceiling and skylight offers a unique bathing experience. Nestled next to a rock formation, it seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings.
Fed by a nearby spring, this shower exemplifies the innovative blend of practicality and aesthetics, creating a peaceful oasis for rejuvenation.
9. Cave-Like Comfort
With pink walls and ceilings, the Olive Houses evoke the primordial comfort of a cave.
This color choice, mirroring the lighter side of olive leaves, fosters a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The design draws on ancient dwelling concepts, blending past and present to create spaces that feel both timeless and contemporary.
10. Solar-Powered Convenience
In harmony with nature, the Olive Houses use solar energy to power modern conveniences.
A solar-powered fridge and other amenities exemplify a commitment to eco-friendly living.
This innovative approach allows residents to enjoy comfort while minimizing their carbon footprint, aligning with the serene, natural setting.