‘S’Engolidor’ is our winning proposal for a competition to design a new elderly care home in Es Migjorn Gran, alongside h3o architects, which establishes a familiar and comfortable setting for the residents and highlights a connection with nature.

The building is located near a prehistorical ‘talayot’ and a historical farmhouse. With privileged access to and views of nature, the ground floor is conceived with a permeable configuration between the village and the rear garden, which blends seamlessly into the surrounding rural landscape.

A wink to its permeable design, the name ‘S’Engolidor’ refers to both the nearby ravine as well as a rock formation though which water penetrates into the subsoil.

Housing 42 residents, S’Engolidor’s service areas are located on the ground floor and rooms in the upper floors, all organised around a central patio.

The patio provides light and ventilation for the common spaces. Its blue colour dissolves in an atmospheric sensation that reflects the tones of the Menorcan sky, creating a serene and welcoming corner that invites calm and contemplation.

The care home building becomes a meeting space for residents and family members, blending the natural beauty of the countryside with their daily life.

Promoting a sense of belonging and familiarity, decorative motifs of hearts and stars, which are inspired by the clothing of horses during local festivities, are incorporated into the façade. These also act as a reference to the island’s large public buildings from the 17th and 18th centuries, which featured symbols responding to the local community.