Renovating in Palma’s historic old town can prove challenging, but Arquitectura 81’s recent Calatrava project shows what can be achieved with innovative architectu re. The property spans the ground floor, mezzanine, and first floor, and carefully fuses contemporary design with the building’s rich heritage. The main architectural transformation is a sculptural staircase that articulates the spaces and at the same time, links pieces of history. Every detail, from lighting to finishes reflects, the owners’ taste for art and design, creating a home where character and modernity coexist flawlessly. Arquitectura 81’s aim was to honour the building’s story while satisfying a highly specific and demanding set of requirements. The staircase isn’t just functional; it’s a striking centrepiece, while the contemporary entrance hall integrates with the original sandstone arches perfectly. Every corner of the home is enriched with carefully curated details and bespoke furnishings. Lighting plays a crucial role, guiding the experience and elevating each space.
Principal Architect Inés Rodríguez Ripoll says: “The home is full of nuances and surprises, where the warmth of the wooden beams and the solidity of the marés walls coexist with the precision of the new architectural elements, creating an atmosphere of balance between history and present day.” Founded by Inés in 2005, Arquitectura 81’s expertise spans residential, hospitality, and sports projects. Providing comprehensive project management from the initial ideas to complete implementation, the firm’s multilingual team has extensive experience with clients and suppliers from around the world. By using BIM technology, it integrates architecture, structural engineering, and MEP systems into a single 3D model, minimising errors and optimising construction timelines. In the characterful Calatrava quarter, the firm has both listened to and respected the memory of a historic building, establishing a dialogue between the pre-existing elements and contemporary architecture.
Principal Architect Inés Rodríguez Ripoll says: “The home is full of nuances and surprises, where the warmth of the wooden beams and the solidity of the marés walls coexist with the precision of the new architectural elements, creating an atmosphere of balance between history and present day.” Founded by Inés in 2005, Arquitectura 81’s expertise spans residential, hospitality, and sports projects. Providing comprehensive project management from the initial ideas to complete implementation, the firm’s multilingual team has extensive experience with clients and suppliers from around the world. By using BIM technology, it integrates architecture, structural engineering, and MEP systems into a single 3D model, minimising errors and optimising construction timelines. In the characterful Calatrava quarter, the firm has both listened to and respected the memory of a historic building, establishing a dialogue between the pre-existing elements and contemporary architecture.
