- Interior
NØRA studio emerges as a creative force in 2015, a testament to the shared vision and unyielding passion of a group of architecture students accepting their first commissions. Their journey is one of perpetual evolution, marked by independent design exploration yet grounded in a collective understanding of what architecture truly represents. As a team, they embrace contradiction, multiple standpoints, and the dynamic complexity that arises from divergent perspectives, forging a unique path within the architectural realm.
Rooted deeply in the landscapes they adore, NØRA's essence lies in their proximity to the people who transform their visionary concepts into tangible realities. Despite the constant movement between their offices, they remain united under the same soul, a cohesive force that propels them forward. Each project, a seed planted in the fertile soil of creativity, evolves organically, adapting to the unique conditions that birthed it and responding sensitively to the changes that emerge during the creative process. Like their projects, NØRA refuses to stand still. Their growth is a perpetual journey of innovation and learning, steadfastly rooted in their origins while embracing the richness of an open and youthful mindset. Their work is a reflection of their ongoing endeavor to comprehend the ever-shifting landscapes of our times, a form of communication that transcends words.
One of their remarkable projects unfolds in the annex of a house, once a mere storage room, now envisioned to transcend its former identity and become a spa of multifaceted functions – a haven of rest, a bathing sanctuary, and a sauna retreat. This space, designed with purpose and poetic intent, offers panoramic views of the rustic landscapes of Mallorca and the town of Santa Margalida, infusing both experience and space with profound value. Inspired by the ancient Roman baths, particularly the Apodyterium or dressing room, the team breathes new life into the concept. The annex's vaulted space, once the only source of light, now serves a dual purpose – illuminating the space naturally and facilitating the flow of water, creating a harmonious marriage of form and function. The new vault, replacing the sloping roof, unifies the space and centers around a captivating focal point.
A fascinating interplay between wet and dry elements
Within this transformed space, three distinct areas coexist seamlessly – the dressing area, the bath zone, and the sauna – orchestrating a temperature gradient experience. Marble patterns on the floor pay homage to the mosaics that adorned ancient undressing rooms, while a meticulously designed bathtub rises from the floor, integrating into the wall with a commanding presence. The shower, merging seamlessly with a skylight, creates a captivating interplay between wet and dry elements. Depending on one's perspective, it becomes a challenge to discern whether the water emanates from the outside world or springs from within. Adjacent spaces for dressing and resting envelop the shower experience, providing a holistic and immersive journey.
On the other side of this sanctuary lies the sauna, a space cocooned in wood to retain high temperatures while preserving the captivating views that define each distinct area. NØRA's design transcends mere functionality; it is a symphony of aesthetics, functionality, and sensory experience. The spa becomes a narrative, where the past converges with the present, and every element, from marble patterns to seamlessly integrated design elements, tells a story of thoughtful design, poetic resonance, and a profound connection to the surrounding world. 
Lead Architects: Marina Munar Bonnin, Rafel Capó Quetglas, Pau del Campo Montoliu, Luca Lliteras Roldán
Collaborators: Klaus Schlenker GmbH, Marmoleria Bautista
Photography by Ricard López
Text by Elke Aerts