First prize in competition of Town Hall in Pollensa

Public Building | Tourist Information Office

Located in the historic heart of Pollença, on Plaça Major and at the corner of Carrer Carrereta, this project responds directly to its highly symbolic urban context. The square — defined by the church, Club Pollença, and a balanced, regular urban fabric — establishes the architectural tone and scale of the intervention.

The proposal replaces two existing buildings of limited architectural value. Nevertheless, the memory of the former fish market that once occupied the site has informed the design approach, introducing a subtle sense of continuity and respect for the past.

Context and Materiality

The building engages in a discreet dialogue with its surroundings. The façades are primarily clad in marés stone and Santanyí stone, materials deeply rooted in Mallorcan architecture. The openings have been carefully composed to achieve a balanced solid-to-void relationship, reinforcing the rhythm of the historic urban landscape.

The ground floor, which houses the Tourist Information Office, opens generously toward the public space, extending the square into the entrance lobby and strengthening the connection between interior and exterior.

Spatial Strategy

Due to the compact size of the plot, the vertical circulation core becomes a key architectural element. The strategic positioning of the staircase and elevator ensures efficient organization while generating open, well-proportioned, and adaptable floor plans suitable for multifunctional use.

The upper floors — particularly the second floor — offer framed views toward Puig de Maria and Plaça Major, reinforcing the building’s relationship with both the landscape and the urban environment.

Structure and Light

The pitched roof is resolved through a lightweight steel structure combined with timber beams. Visible within the interior, it enhances the spatial character and subtly modulates the entry of natural light through integrated skylights.

This solution emphasizes structural lightness and creates a warm, naturally illuminated interior atmosphere.

Sustainability

Energy efficiency and environmental performance form an integral part of the concept. The main strategies include:

• a comprehensive natural ventilation approach• ventilated façades with external insulation• passive solar energy capture• high-performance solar control systems at ground floor level• integration of “sunscreen” blinds in the openings• optimization of natural daylight in all interior spaces

This project reflects our commitment to contextual sensitivity, material authenticity, and sustainable design, creating a contemporary architecture deeply rooted in its place.