A once-unremarkable 1980s vacation home perched above Mallorca's breathtaking coastline has been transformed into a design masterpiece that seamlessly blends mid-century California aesthetics with vibrant Brazilian and Mexican influences. German design studio Holzrausch has reimagined Casa da Praia in Alcudia, creating a three-bedroom summer retreat that celebrates both its Mediterranean setting and Latin American design heritage.
The exterior transformation is immediately striking, with the original stone facade replaced by textured plaster that creates a monochromatic, sculptural volume. While the house appears deceptively understated from a distance, bold pops of color drench the poolside walls, including an outdoor shower area that draws clear inspiration from Luis Barragán's iconic house and studio in Mexico City. The surrounding landscape features carefully selected Mediterranean and native plants that breathe life into the outdoor spaces.
Inside, Holzrausch preserved the home's two-level layout and original pine beams while introducing warm teak wood elements throughout the cabinetry, wall panels, and kitchen furniture. One of the most significant architectural interventions involved opening the central false ceiling, which floods the previously dark core of the home with natural daylight from the terrace. This strategic move creates a stronger connection between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Color plays a pivotal role in the interior design, with Holzrausch embracing both the geometric quirks of the original structure and the clients' passion for Latin American aesthetics. The kitchen serves as a showstopper, featuring pink-painted cabinet doors and a glossy yellow suspended ceiling that glows as natural light filters through the space. The kitchen was completely reimagined to meet the owners' needs, incorporating a large island constructed from tropical wooden slats and countertops manufactured by local company HUGUET.
The furnishing strategy combines iconic design pieces with local brands to create an atmosphere that balances relaxation with sophistication. Soft, indirect lighting from renowned brands like Vibia and Marset creates a warm, inviting ambiance during evening hours. The living area features a Roche Bobois Mah Jong sofa, which adds a layer of casual, sprawling comfort while offering views of the swimming pool and surrounding landscape. Custom touches, including a built-in bench in the living room, ensure seamless flow and a polished overall aesthetic.
The bathrooms continue the design narrative with locally crafted terrazzo sinks by HUGUET and intricate patterned tilework that inject personality, texture, and visual interest throughout these intimate spaces. These elements demonstrate the studio's commitment to incorporating local craftsmanship while maintaining the home's cohesive design language.
On the opposite side of the villa, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors open onto a dark-stained wood deck that provides spectacular views of the Mediterranean coastline. An extended overhang offers protection from the elements, allowing the owners to enjoy outdoor living during the warmer months while taking in the breathtaking coastal panorama.
The completed Casa da Praia represents a rare achievement in vacation home design: a residence that honors its architectural roots while boldly reinterpreting them for contemporary living. The project successfully demonstrates how tropical ease and mid-century modernism can coexist with expressive color palettes and Latin American influences, creating a unique retreat that celebrates both place and personality.
