British photographer Alex Dormon has captured the timeless beauty of Can Lis, the celebrated Mallorca vacation home designed by renowned Danish architect Jørn Utzon. The house, built in 1972 after Utzon's dramatic resignation from the Sydney Opera House project, stands as a masterpiece of architectural integration with its natural surroundings on the edge of a cliff near Portopetro on the south coast of the Balearic island.
Dormon's striking photographs showcase the sandstone walls and columns of this iconic residence, which has been meticulously restored since the Utzon Foundation acquired it in 2011. The photographer explains that "the building structure blurs the boundaries between interior and exterior, integrating seamlessly with the surrounding landscape." He notes how moving through each space reveals "rooms left entirely open to the elements," with openings that "draw your attention inevitably towards the sea – a constant reminder of this residence's beautiful backdrop."
The house's origin story is deeply connected to one of architecture's most famous controversies. Utzon had originally planned to build a holiday home in Australia, where he had been based for several years after winning the prestigious competition to design the Sydney Opera House in 1957. However, those plans were abandoned when tensions escalated over construction costs, leading to Utzon's resignation from the project in 1966 and his vow never to return to Australia. During his journey back to Denmark, the architect stopped in Mallorca and decided to create his summer retreat there instead.
Named after Utzon's wife Lis, the house stands in stark contrast to the engineering marvel that made him famous. While the Sydney Opera House is celebrated for its technological innovation, Can Lis embraces traditional local building materials and time-honored construction techniques. The residence consists of four blocks loosely organized in sequence along the cliff edge, with patios strategically placed between them. One particularly striking feature is the entrance, which perfectly aligns with a window shaped like a crescent moon.
The construction showcases the finest local materials available on the island. Mallorcan stone provides most of the structure and surfaces, with Marés sandstone used for the cavity wall structure and Santanyí sandstone creating interior walls, worktops, and flooring. Concrete beams support the distinctive tile-covered roofs, while pine wood adds warmth through kitchen and joinery details. This careful selection of materials creates a harmonious blend with the Mediterranean landscape.
Dormon describes the interiors as "pared back and very understated, with subtle tones and textures which complement the building's fabric." The bespoke built-in furniture is intentionally positioned to frame views through carved openings in the building's facade, with each piece functioning as both seating and viewing platform. This furniture introduces "a slightly more playful vocabulary of forms and textures, in juxtaposition to the orthogonal nature of the spaces formed by the building's load-bearing stone envelope."
The house underwent comprehensive restoration in 2012, overseen by Danish architect and former Utzon collaborator Lise Juel. Often cited as one of the most iconic houses of the 20th century, Can Lis now serves a dual purpose as both a preservation project and cultural venue. The residence hosts artist residencies and opens its doors to the public on Fridays during the summer months, allowing visitors to experience Utzon's architectural vision firsthand.
For his photographic documentation, Dormon chose to use a 35-millimeter film camera, adding an analog quality to his images. With only 18 shots remaining on his film, he deliberately avoided obvious views and instead selected "subtler, less expected frames" that capture the essence of the space. His approach reflects the contemplative nature of the architecture itself.
Reflecting on his experience photographing the house, Dormon offers insight into what makes Can Lis so remarkable. "After spending the afternoon in Can Lis, quietly taking in its beautiful surroundings, my main takeaway is that this house feels both ancient and forward thinking, where traditional Mallorcan building techniques serve a distinctly modern architectural vision," he said. "Can Lis demonstrates Utzon's ability to create profound spatial experiences, proving that great architecture requires neither complexity nor cutting-edge technology."
