Nestled amidst the serene Menorcan countryside, the San José residence stands as a captivating blend of history and contemporary design. This stunning project by Atelier du Pont, in collaboration with local architect ARU Arquitectura, transformed a 19th-century ruin and adjoining stone barn into a breathtaking summer home. The 300-square-metre property, spread across 76 hectares of wild terrain, is a harmonious fusion of regional craftsmanship and modern sensibilities, offering a fresh take on the traditional Menorcan farmhouse.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Location: Menorca, Spain
Architecture: ARU Arquitectura
Architecture & Interior Design: Atelier du Pont
Photography: Maria Missaglia
Designed as a retreat for a mother and daughter, the residence is more than just a home; it’s a space that fosters connection. The owners entrusted the designers with creative freedom, allowing them to craft a space that reflects both the spirit of Menorca and the adventurous travel experiences that shaped the owners’ journey. Architect and co-founder of Atelier du Pont, Anne-Cécile Comar, explains, “The owners gave us carte blanche to imagine the interior concept and the different atmospheres in keeping with the spirit of the place.”
The building’s original structure informed much of the design, with the team drawing on local architectural cues—arched windows, rough stone facades, and unobstructed views of the surrounding wilderness—to create a residence that feels at once timeless and modern. The soft, sinuous forms that characterize the design are visible throughout the space, with curved doorways, masonry benches, and sunken floors offering a sense of continuity and cohesion between the two buildings.
The living room, the heart of the residence, is an example of how the designers played with both light and material. Large arched windows, crafted from untreated iroko wood, pivot off-center to allow light to flood the space without obstructing the view. The room is furnished with a curated selection of design pieces, such as the Gavila coffee table, Audoux-Minet armchairs, and Yellow Nose Studio’s sculptural chair, creating a balance between modernity and tradition.
Materials throughout the house reflect Menorca’s rich cultural heritage. Local stone, with its raw, sculptural beauty, is used generously, alongside traditional lime coatings and terracotta tiles. These elements are not only a nod to the island’s architectural legacy but also create a tactile richness that grounds the home in its natural surroundings. The kitchen is a highlight, featuring 3,000 hand-crafted acid-yellow tiles that nod to a neighboring room’s yellow ceiling while incorporating a contemporary twist on traditional Menorcan colors and materials.
Throughout San José, Atelier du Pont worked closely with local artisans to commission bespoke pieces that enhance the residence’s connection to the island. Woven headboards by Mariona Cañadas and Pedro Murùa, custom-designed terracotta and rope bedside tables, stone sinks, and a concrete and lime bathtub are just a few examples of how the design team infused the home with authenticity and artistry. These elements not only elevate the space’s aesthetic but also embody the craftsmanship and savoir-faire that define Menorca.
While the design at San José is steeped in the traditions of Menorca, it also reflects the eclectic tastes and global influences of its owners. The space becomes a testament to the owners’ adventurous travels, with design choices that integrate the rich history of the region with contemporary flair. It is a home that feels deeply connected to its surroundings, yet open to the world beyond.
In every corner of San José, there’s an interplay of textures, forms, and light that creates an inviting, warm atmosphere—a true reflection of the adventurous, nomadic spirit of its owners. As Comar and her team at Atelier du Pont have demonstrated, the past and present can coexist beautifully, especially when guided by the hands of talented craftsmen and a respect for the region’s architectural identity. San José is not just a house; it’s a modern Arcadian retreat where history, art, and nature seamlessly converge.
