- Interior
- Architecture & development
Atelier du Pont, a leading architectural and interior design firm from France, has once again demonstrated its innovative and sustainable vision with an impressive project called Son Blanc. We are happy to inspire you with this idyllic place where you can escape the daily grind and relax completely.
Located on a beautifully preserved plot on the island of Menorca, the hotel Son Blanc stands as a beacon of sustainability and sophistication. This project, carried out by renowned architectural firm Atelier du Pont in collaboration with Aru Arquitectura, is more than a mere renovation; it is a transformation of an old farmhouse into a contemporary retreat that combines authenticity and luxury with a deep respect for the planet. This venue offers a unique opportunity to experience the traditional Menorcan lifestyle, combined with modern luxury and comfort.It features 14 rooms, where visitors can enjoy a unique immersive experience that will stay with them for a long time. The renovation was even awarded the French Design 100 Award, a prestigious recognition that confirms Atelier du Pont's commitment to high-quality and innovative design. Thus, the original architectural elements, such as the vaults and arches, were uncovered and restored using marès, a soft stone typical of the island. The renovation brought back the charm of the original architectural style, which had been lost due to previous attempts to convert the farmhouse into apartments. The renovation of Son Blanc took almost five years and was affected by the pandemic and long administrative procedures for obtaining permits.Architect Anne-Cécile Comar acknowledges that it was not a linear project, but stresses that the collaboration with artisans created a true synergy that contributed to the uniqueness of the project. ‘It was interesting because there was a real synergy with the artisans, which contributed to the unity of the project,’ she says.
‘There was a real synergy with the artisans, which contributed to the unity of the project’
Located in unspoilt countryside, Son Blanc offers a new interpretation of travel.The hotel invites visitors to a unique, immersive experience that highlights the beauty of the landscape and traditional peasant life.The project is an ode to the gentle pace of Menorcan life, encouraging visitors to enjoy the simple and precious things in life. During the renovation, great care was taken to preserve the original structure and reveal its remarkable features, such as the vaults and arches. These curved interior walls modulate and separate the different rooms, while having an earthy texture reminiscent of a screen. This breaks up the geometry of the space and hides technical areas, delineating the building's various functions. The spaces are spacious and open to nature, providing an ideal terrain for architectural expression. The island's nature inspired the project, leaving the materials predominantly raw and shaped into organic forms that are in harmony with their surroundings. The interior of Son Blanc is an ode to the artisans who contributed to the hotel's unique aesthetic. Furniture and artwork are crafted from natural materials from Spain and France. Textiles, ceramics and plaster creations adorn the rooms, and bedside tables made of terracotta have been specially designed for the hotel by Atelier du Pont. Collaborations with local craftsmen and artists have resulted in a unique collection of custom-made pieces that embellish the hotel's interiors. One of the most impressive elements of the hotel is the rock-cut pool, which offers a serene place for relaxation. In addition, the hotel has a yoga and dance studio, where guests can meditate and work on their well-being. These facilities add to the overall atmosphere of tranquillity and introspection that the hotel offers.
Want to read the full article? The summer issue of Imagicasa magazine is available via our webshop. Photography by Maria Missaglia
Text by Elke Aerts