The multi-family building designed by architects Montis Sastre Arquitectura and DRDR Arquitectura draws its inspiration from traditional architecture, both in its form and construction process, creating an example of resilience that preserves elements such as the original façade, adapted to meet current habitability requirements, the structure with solid wood beams and prestressed concrete beams, hydraulic tiles, ceramic roof tiles, and even some wooden carpentry, all of which respect the building's history.
The design, between party walls, houses two social housing units, each with one bedroom, each with a small interior space, cross ventilation, and large south-facing windows. These elements, along with the materials, organize the spaces and their formal choices, turning fragility into a key design opportunity that achieves the balance between respect and adaptation, sought from the outset.
"KM.0,015" by Montis Sastre Arquitectura + DRDR Arquitectura. Photograph by Lluís Bort.
Project description by Montis Sastre Arquitectura + DRDR Arquitectura
This multi-family, party-wall building consisting of two dwellings, located on C/Vinya in the historic center of Artà, originates from a thorough preliminary study of the existing structure—a more than 100-year-old vernacular construction that had fallen into a state of ruin. The project focused on the REUSE of all recoverable elements, granting them a new life while minimizing extensive intervention.
Recognizing the construction industry as a major generator of waste, this approach offers a more responsible alternative, one that is increasingly embraced in contemporary society. The concept of "KM0.015" refers to the length of the plot, from which materials were recovered to shape the design, forming the core of our resource mapping strategy.
As a result, the project achieves greater environmental and economic efficiency. By repurposing materials found on-site and prioritizing the use of local resources (KM0), the intervention ensures a strong connection to the area's architectural, cultural, and historical heritage while demonstrating a commitment to climate-conscious design. Traditional architecture served as a continuous reference, influencing both the project's formal and methodological aspects.
Regarding the building envelope, the original façade has been preserved and minimally adapted to comply with contemporary habitability requirements. Additionally, recovered materials have been reintegrated into the project, including colorful hydraulic tiles, solid structural timber beams, prestressed concrete joists, ceramic roof tiles, hydraulic elements repurposed as skirting boards, reclaimed wooden doors, and recycled gravel obtained by crushing the original concrete blocks. Furthermore, low-impact and locally sourced materials were incorporated, such as biomass-fired clay bricks forming a masonry structure, laminated wood and OSB panels, larch wood carpentry, lime mortar, and recycled cotton insulation. These three key strategies defined the spatial and functional identity of the building.
By utilizing reclaimed materials and naturally sourced components, all of which bear inherent imperfections, the project embraces these irregularities as part of its aesthetic and constructive honesty. The resulting architecture exhibits an authentic expression of its building process.
The project strictly minimizes the use of PVC, polyurethane, petroleum-based derivatives, and other toxic products. All paints and wood treatments are eco-friendly and free from lead and heavy metals.
This REUSE strategy has had a significant impact on waste management, substantially reducing waste generation compared to conventional construction by minimizing the demand for new materials.
The building consists of a ground floor plus two levels, housing two one-bedroom duplex apartments. Both units benefit from small private outdoor spaces and effective cross ventilation, design considerations that have become essential in post-COVID-19 housing. Proper ventilation channels have been integrated, with shutters placed in front of façade openings to enhance airflow. Sun-exposed windows feature protective elements such as shutters, pergolas, and façade substructures designed to support the growth of deciduous climbing plants. In winter, large south-facing glass openings passively capture solar heat. The spatial organization and formal decisions reflect a deep understanding of the opportunities and limitations of natural materials, which, due to their fragility, demanded careful and considered design responses.
This project stands as a clear example of sustainable architecture, where the reuse of materials and reliance on local resources form the foundation of an environmentally and culturally respectful approach. Reintegrating existing elements not only reduces waste production but also gives the building a distinctive character, reflecting a construction process rooted in awareness and honesty. The use of natural materials, combined with bioclimatic strategies such as cross ventilation and passive solar heating, addresses contemporary energy efficiency demands. In doing so, the project balances respect for traditional architecture with sustainable solutions, demonstrating that conscious design is fundamental to responsible and long-lasting construction.
