‘S’Engolidor’ is our winning proposal for a competition to design a new elderly care home in Es Migjorn Gran, alongside h3o architects. Located at the edge of town, the design embraces its privileged access to and views of nature, while creating a familiar and comfortable setting for the residents. 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 building is located near a talayot –a prehistorical settlement– and the historical farmhouse of Binicodrell Vell. Acting as a passage between the village and nature, the ground floor is conceived with a permeable configuration between Russell Avenue and the rear garden, which blends seamlessly into the surrounding rural landscape.

The building is located near a talayot –a prehistorical settlement– and the historical farmhouse of Binicodrell Vell. The name ‘S’Engolidor’ refers to both the nearby ravine as well as a rock formation though which water penetrates into the subsoil – a wink to its permeable design connecting the street level with the central courtyard and nature.

Thus, the ground floor acts as a passage between the village and the rear garden, which in turn blends seamlessly into the surrounding rural landscape. Acting as a covered continuation of the street, the care home building becomes a meeting space for residents and family members, blending the natural beauty of the countryside with their daily life. In the rear garden, the residents are invited to engage in gardening.