Roca Llisa by SAOTA & ARRCC
Architects: Stefan Antoni & Mark Rielly of SAOTA & ARRCC
Location: Ibiza, Spain
Year: 2014
Area: 9,096 sqft / 845 sqm
Photo courtesy: Lorenzo Vecchia
Furniture: OKHA
Description:
Brief
As annual visitors to the island of Ibiza, the owners stipulated a contemporary reinvention of the classic Mediterranean villa they had purchased at the top of a wooded hill in the exclusive Roca Llisa area. The design had to mediate between the functions of family retreat and meditative space, and fully functioning entertainment venue.
Roca Llisa is located on hilly terrain with spectacular views of the ocean and the island of Formentera. Half-way between Ibiza town and Santa Eulalia del Rio, close to the villages of Jesus and Cala Llonga, it is ideally situated for those looking to escape the summer club scene.
Having spent time in Cape Town the owners were familiar with the contemporary work being done by SAOTA and ARRCC and approached them to design the extensive refurbishment and alterations to the existing three-level Spanish-style house.
“From the bones of the existing villa, the clients asked us to create a contemporary Ibiza-style home that would allow for intimate, casual family living, as well as extensive entertaining of large groups of friends. The complete renovation included additional accommodation in the form of guest rooms,” says Mark Rielly, partner at ARRCC.
Site
The house is situated on an exclusive residential estate on the island of Ibiza, called Roca Llisa. The wooded, sloping site offers panoramic views towards the surrounding islands.
Approach
In contrast to the more frantic lifestyle for which the island is renowned, Roca Llisa estate is an enclave of luxury and peace. Inspired by its context and its occupation, the finished home successfully imparts a sense of calm simplicity, washed with natural light.
To achieve this, ARRCC’s design approach focused on the use of organic materials, including timber and stone, to embed the building into its site, while adding warmth and depth to the minimal interior. Large sliding, glass doors to the outdoor terraces blur the line between indoor and outdoor living.
Bold and discreet lighting was were layered to evoke contrasting but complementary moods. Subtle lighting has been incorporated in all recesses and feature bulkheads to give a warm glow to peripheral edges. Concealed lighting has also been used to highlight and accentuate the natural finishes.
“This house is unique in its detail and quality of finish and reflects a living environment that is seductive and inspired by family living,” says Michele Rhoda.
Interior Decor
The interior design and décor needed to be simultaneously casual and elegant, and express a modern relaxed, almost bohemian character without being cluttered or excessively layered. Each space on the three levels provides for different functions and exhibits its own particular nuances.
ARRCC used a soft, naturally inspired colour palette where the use of varying materials and textures adds depth and resonates an effortless, organic sense of luxury. Cottons, linens, raw timber, stone and marble against a backdrop of fresh white walls give the internal spaces a natural calm and serenity; the eclectic mix of contemporary designs, artisanal pieces and one off custom creations reflect the clients’ broad appreciation and understanding of art and design, and their desire for luxury contemporary living where every moment counts and a home provides the literal foundations of a balanced lifestyle.
OKHA was the main furniture supplier and provided South African designed and manufactured pieces custom made for the clients.
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