Marià Castelló, the visionary architect rooted in Formentera.
In the realm of Mediterranean architecture, Marià Castelló stands out for creating spaces that feel as natural as the land itself. A native of Formentera, he has transformed the island’s vernacular sensibility into architectural narratives that are both elegant and thoughtful.
“I prefer constructive and conceptual sincerity because I want to avoid the trap of imitative or disloyal architecture.” — Marià Castelló.
In the world of contemporary Mediterranean architecture, few names resonate with the clarity and poetic restraint of Marià Castelló. Born and raised in Formentera, he is more than an architect — he is a translator of place, light, and silence. His work doesn’t impose on the landscape; it listens to it. And in that listening, he creates something that feels both timeless and utterly of the moment.
An Island Influence
Growing up on Formentera — the smallest of the Balearic Islands — Castelló was surrounded by dry stone walls, flat-roofed fincas, pine forests, and the sound of the sea. This environment became his most formative teacher. His architecture is defined not by flash or scale, but by contextual sensitivity: an understanding that the natural world is not a backdrop, but a collaborator.
He studied architecture at the Escuela Técnica Superior de Arquitectura de Valencia (ETSAV), and later established his own studio — Marià Castelló Architecture — in 2003. Since then, he has worked on residential, cultural, and restoration projects across the Balearic Islands and mainland Spain, while always keeping his roots firmly planted in Formentera’s unique terrain.
Designing with Silence
One of the most remarkable aspects of Castelló’s architecture is its quiet power. His projects often feature minimalist volumes, local materials, and an extraordinary use of natural light. The architecture does not shout; it whispers. It invites you to slow down, to breathe, and to notice the small details — the texture of stone, the scent of wood, the way shadows move across a wall.
A key project that illustrates his philosophy is Casa Bosc d’en Pep Ferrer, a private residence embedded into the rocky terrain near the coast. From a distance, the house nearly disappears, its long, horizontal profile blending into the landscape. Built using load-bearing limestone, timber, and microcement, the home combines modern precision with vernacular humility. Interior spaces are open, airy, and shaded — offering both thermal comfort and aesthetic serenity. Here, architecture becomes a way of enhancing the natural rhythm of the day.
Vernacular Inspiration, Contemporary Craft
Castelló is deeply inspired by the traditional rural architecture of Formentera — not as a nostalgic gesture, but as a model for sustainability, simplicity, and beauty. He often incorporates dry stone masonry, white lime plaster, and wood beam ceilings — reinterpreting them in a contemporary language that is both rigorous and warm.
His work is frequently described as “essentialist” — a term used in architecture to signify a distillation to only what is necessary. But while his buildings may appear austere at first glance, they are rich with tactile detail and material honesty. They invite not only sight, but touch, smell, and memory.
Sustainability as a Principle, Not a Trend
In an age where sustainability is often reduced to checklists and certifications, Marià Castelló sees it as a way of thinking. His buildings are designed to respond naturally to climate, orientation, and local resources. Passive cooling, cross-ventilation, and deep roof overhangs are part of his vocabulary, as are durable, low-impact materials sourced from the island whenever possible.
This approach is not only environmentally responsible — it is deeply cultural. It honors the way people have lived in harmony with Formentera’s harsh-yet-beautiful conditions for centuries.
Recognition and Legacy
Over the past two decades, Castelló’s work has earned widespread recognition. He has received numerous architectural awards in Spain and Europe, and his projects have been featured in prestigious publications like El Croquis, Domus, and Arquitectura Viva. Yet despite this acclaim, he remains remarkably grounded — his studio is still small, his projects highly selective, and his philosophy unwavering.
In 2021, he was awarded the Premio AR House by Architectural Review for his project Es Pou, a subtle yet masterful house that merges architecture with the agrarian landscape.
More Than Just Buildings
To walk through a Marià Castelló house is to enter a space that feels more like a natural extension of the land than a constructed object. The walls breathe. The floors invite barefoot walking. The rooms open to the sky. His work reminds us that architecture can still be humble, grounded, and deeply humane — even in an age of excess and spectacle.
In Formentera, where the landscape is fragile and the pace of life is precious, Marià Castelló offers a blueprint for how to build with respect, intelligence, and grace. His architecture is not only for living — it is for feeling, for remembering, and for belonging.
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Marià’s approach merges minimalist precision with vernacular roots. His projects often feature simple volumes, locally sourced calcareous stone, pine timber, and lime plaster—yet feel contemporary in every detail. He employs bioclimatic design, passive cooling, and rainwater capture to ensure both comfort and sustainability IGNANT+4Designboom+4Designboom+4.
His work reflects a deep connection to Formentera’s flat terrain, quiet atmosphere, and cultural heritage—not mimicking the past, but building on it with authenticity and restraint Domus Nova.
Key Projects
Es Pou House (2021)
Located amidst olive groves and dry-stone walls, Es Pou is composed of three white, rectangular volumes aligned south–north: a shaded porch, communal living space, and two tranquil bedrooms Arquitectura Viva+11Arquitectura Viva+11Domus Nova+11Domus Nova.
The villa’s material palette—terracotta vaults, ceramic lattices, vitrified green tiles—allows the interior to breathe the landscape’s hues. A rainwater cistern ensures self-sufficiency and passive ventilation enhances comfort naturally ArchDaily+2Arquitectura Viva+2Arquitectura Viva+2.
Bosc d’en Pep Ferrer (~2014–17)
This residence emerges from the very rock it inhabits. Atop a natural cross-section of stone, three elevated volumes carve light-filled paths between earth and air. The austere geometric forms resemble a mirage—literal and poetic—and create striking contrasts of light, shadow, and space DesignboomMarià Castelló · Landscape Architecture. The residence includes bespoke timber interiors, passive bioclimatic systems, and rainwater harvesting Formentera In+11Designboom+11Designboom+11.
Es Pujol de s’Era (2006)
Anchored by a traditional dry-stone wall, this austere geometric house blends with the flat agricultural landscape. The form rises slightly above ground, creating a visual dialogue with the terrain and reinterpreting vernacular typologies while maintaining a clear, minimalist order of public and private spaces Domus Nova+2ArchDaily+2Arquitectura Viva+2.
Formentera Water Sports Center CENF (2019)
Located at the port of La Savina, this dual-volume structure houses classrooms, workshops, and changing facilities. Its dry‑built timber construction echoes traditional boathouses and opens toward the Estany des Peix lagoon. Designed under eco‑construction principles, it uses cross‑laminated timber and ventilated facades for longevity and minimal impact Dismobel+1ArchDaily+1.
Through his work, Marià Castelló captures Formentera’s essence—the sea-scented air, the flat horizon, and the local craft spirit—in a stylr that feels alive, grounded, and enduring. From Formentera.archi we are very corious to see what he comes up with next.
