Design, a Differentiating Value in Mallorca’s Real Estate Market
“Clients increasingly demand homes that stand out for their design.” — Jaime Salvá
In the real estate world, opportunities are endless, and design has become a tool to stand out from the crowd. It’s no longer just about offering attractive views or an enviable location. Given the scarcity of well-located plots, more value is placed on architectural design itself, its ability to blend with the environment, and the experience it offers its residents—how it truly feels to live there and how it makes you feel.
Recently, during a conversation with a real estate investor, we discussed this topic in depth. We talked about projects on land that many might consider unattractive. It became clear that the focus is no longer just creating habitable spaces but building homes that inspire and stand out on their own.
In highly sought-after destinations like Mallorca, the competition for luxury homes is fierce. There is an abundance of high-value properties, many exceeding 10 million euros. In places like Santa Ponça, where the supply of new homes is extensive and the features are similar, the design of the homes becomes the determining factor.
The Importance of Exteriors
In our firm, JAIME SALVÁ, Arquitectura & Interiorismo, we have observed this fact, where clients demand exclusive designs to stand out in a saturated market. We have also noticed a significant increase in demand for homes with spacious kitchens and outdoor areas, especially after the pandemic.
Thus, a well-designed property becomes a competitive asset that stands out in an environment with extensive property offerings. Moreover, good design not only enhances aesthetics but also improves functionality and, ultimately, the quality of life and comfort of the residents.
Good design involves considering the functionality of spaces, complying with urban regulations, and taking into account intangible aspects such as:
- Location
- Climate
- Sun orientation
- Views
- Topography
Challenges and Solutions in Design
What constitutes good architecture is always a subject of debate. In a project we just completed in Son Vida, Binifaldó Residence, the main challenge we faced was the topography of the land, as it is a plot with a significant slope where the street level is considerably below the ground floor level.
We managed to solve this by incorporating two basements. One houses the parking and access to the home, and the second accommodates a cinema and a gym.
On other occasions, the main challenge is harmonizing contemporary design with the strict aesthetic restrictions that exist on rustic land. Son Llaneres is an example of this, a home located on rustic land in the municipality of Campos that we have recently completed. This house is located on an extensive plot, and the home integrates naturally into the surrounding landscape, taking advantage of the flat topography and rural environment.
Its design challenges the mentioned aesthetic limitations through a volumetric play that combines pitched roofs and hierarchizes spaces, allowing the differentiation of the four outdoor areas thanks to its cross-shaped layout.
One of these resulting outdoor areas is intended for access, another for the master bedroom, another for the guest area, and finally, the living room, dining room, and kitchen are arranged in an L-shape, opening towards the covered terrace and pool.
“Architecture and interior design go hand in hand. Materials create sensations, identify with their owners, and their choice is paramount.” — Jaime Salvá
Design as a Long-Term Investment
We believe that functionality is synonymous with good architecture that optimizes spaces and generates comfort, ensuring optimal natural and artificial lighting and adequate thermal comfort that positively impacts the health of the occupants.
In a saturated market, design will be the differentiator that adds value and distinguishes one property from another, ensuring a long-term investment, whether you are a developer or an individual, because the island’s market is growing exponentially.
Article by Jaime Salvá
Architect Director of JAIME SALVÁ Arquitectura & Interiorismo
JAIME SALVÁ Arquitectura & Interiorismo is an architecture and interior design firm based in Mallorca, led by Jaime Salvá, committed to offering distinctive and timeless design solutions that respond to contemporary living.
