Aulets' Stone and Pallet Vision: Sustainable Architecture in Mallorca
The Futur Habitable Pavilion, built with local materials, pioneers circular economy in architecture.
1Mallorca's future vision
Aulets Arquitectes presents a radical design using local materials for Pollença's 2025 Futur Habitable program. Untreated 2-3 ton natural stone blocks are stacked to form massive supports. The most striking feature is the 12-meter-wide roof made from recycled wooden pallets. This design challenges conventional construction methods while aiming for 100% local material usage.
2Raw beauty of stone
The pavilion's stone walls intentionally preserve saw marks and rough edges. Forty-five limestone blocks in varying tones create 1.5-meter-thick walls. Using materials in their extracted form reflects the texture of Balearic quarries. This approach aims to reduce construction energy consumption by up to 70%.
3Transformation of industrial pallets
One hundred twenty standard wooden pallets, typically used in logistics, gain new function atop 6-meter stone columns. Untreated pallets evoke traditional Mallorcan garden pergolas. This design decision offers an alternative to packaging materials that constitute 30% of construction waste.
4Spatial experience
The pavilion's 3-meter-wide openings guide visitors between stone columns. The structure serves as a passageway to the 16th-century Santuari de la Mare de Déu del Puig church. Shaded by century-old olive trees, the design redefines indoor-outdoor relationships.
5Product of three-year research
Futur Habitable culminates a three-year design research initiative for Pollença's annual fair. Beginning with 'Repensar dissenys' in 2023 and continuing with 'Tocar fusta' in 2024, the 2025 version advanced with 85% local material usage, becoming a finalist in the 2026 FAD Awards.
6Dry construction technique
No binding materials (cement, mortar) were used. Stone blocks stacked at 15-degree angles are stabilized solely by gravity. This technique modernizes the Balearic 'dry stone' wall tradition. The structure's demountable nature sets new standards for temporary architecture.
7Design strengthening local economy
Five local quarries, two landscaping firms, and one furniture workshop collaborated on the project. Sourcing materials within a 10km radius minimized carbon footprint. Aulets' approach aligns with Spain's sustainable tourism strategy.
8Inspiring architecture's future
The pavilion sets an important example when construction accounts for 38% of global emissions. Aulets' 'accessible future' philosophy offers a tangible response to the EU's 2030 Circular Economy Action Plan. The project provides architects with new vision for material efficiency.