What formerly served as a workshop and storage, has now been turned into a contemporary dream house.
A mix of the industrial structure combined with the rustic roof formed the concept for the rest of the design: an interesting play and contrast between rustic and industrial.
The remodelling of a 100 year old hillside property on Ibiza by Jurjen van Hulzen has enhanced rather than compromised the ‘heart of the original’.
A coup in terms of preserving both history and the prototype, the redesign effortlessly incorporates the industrial and artisanal roots by maintaining a laid back DIY style.
Concrete columns and steel beams were carrying a typical Ibizan ‘sabina beam’ roof.
Within the scrupulous restraint adopted by van Hulzen, the quintessentially rustic ceiling proclaims its authority. Built by artisans, for design and architecture lovers, and aesthetes in general this is almost enough to announce the interlude and the abode a once-in-a-lifetime discovery and success. As a compelling aspect of historic architecture, it inspires the inhabitants to ponder tales of times past, its systematic and aesthetic relevance and its ability to modestly incorporate contemporary contrivances and conversations.
Still, the skilful blend of industrial and rustic is found throughout; not least in the respective pendants, and the ‘handmade’ mobile in the living area; a relaxing diversion on lethargic afternoons.
In spite of the humble footprint and existing conditions, van Hulzen has focused on ‘the big picture’: the upgrade a scintillating and celebratory mix of yesteryear, functionality and the rationale.
The designer has applied broad strokes in intimate ways, imprinting Campo Loft’s identity and use well into the future.
In the course of the last 3000 years, Phoenician, Carthagian, Catalonian and Moorish cultures (and others) have left traces of their influence on this exquisite jewel in the Mediterranean Sea: hence, an island which offers travellers and visitors rich offerings in spite of the small area. While the island has a deep cultural and architectural history (a must see Catedral de Nuestra Señora de las Nieves) music has defined Ibiza since Hippies began arriving in the 1960s, and has done ever since,
…today an eclectic mix of musical styles and people make it a massive tourist industry and one of the most fascinating and mind-blowing places to visit.
Along with a focus on music, undoubtedly visitors also consume large amounts of wine from a unique and flourishing wine industry there for the taking. Predating the Countercultural revolution which shook the globe in the 1960’s, bohemians have called it home.
Pioneers, writers, painters and other artists were working and enjoying life from the magic white island, way before the hippies came.
The Nieuw has distilled the fortified culture by taking a ‘sophisticated beach shack’ approach (albeit the Loft stands on a hill with stunning views of the countryside). Rather than appealing to the lowest common denominator by stripping it and bullishly applying a conventional fit-out, they have preserved the myriad attributes and milieu we love about shacks: not least a sense of who and what has come before. The atmosphere one of intuitive choices, enlightened spaces and importantly, a lack of preciousness.
The vibe is one of laid back sophistication, of contemplation and exclusive experiences.
The Loft appeals to those who are trend makers; leaders in fashion, music and design, with a predilection for fine wine. They see the world like no other. The outdoor dining area with reed roof epitomises their tastes and confidence within a sense of endless island life.
The romance of languid mornings lying on the beach, afternoons sipping cool Rosé with a charcuterie of locally sourced treats; sobrassada, olives, goats cheese, prosciutto and dried figs, while pondering the view, the night to come and chilled-out adventuring. Petanca anyone?
Yet there are deeper considerations, the Loft is off the grid.
Water comes from a private well and there are solar panels installed for hot water, floor heating and electricity.
As climate change wreaks havoc globally, sustainability is at once an important message and a responsible choice. There are other triumphs: the placement of the kitchen island means tonight’s chef can be communing with those on the terrace whilst cooking. While those on the terrace, drink in hand, are lazing the heat away on perfect accoutrements from Ibiza Interiors.
The bathroom has herringbone pattern floor made from terra cotta tiles, a modern interpretation of the traditional Spanish floor.
Singular and playful! The dining area emits a similar upbeat yet more refined flavour; disparate qualities come together of the relaxed restaurant / ‘Cocina de la abuela’. This is a spot for one-off connections and specific celebrations or activities; like planning day trips to Sant Mateu d’Abarca to stock up on wine supplies. If it could get better, it is tasting wine at 10am, swimming and sleeping it off beside the water; perhaps Cala Mastella Cove or the like.
The Nieuw have tapped into and extracted a rich repository to reflect a certain contemporary design mix and mind-set while remaining true to the essential character of the original.
Campo Loft has evolved in ways the island itself has.
The result is a fantastic contemporary natural residence where contrast plays a big role; old and new, sleek and rustic, light and dark, rough and soft.
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” Thanks for the nice article, really inspiring writing! “
Jurjen van Hulzen
