Oversized wool Livingstones poufs by French design studio Smarin surround the fireplace, like an array of pebbles on a beach.
Oversized wool Livingstones poufs by French design studio Smarin surround the fireplace, like an array of pebbles on a beach.

An Abandoned Schoolhouse is Transformed into an Ambient Retreat Space in Menorca, Spain

A gothic-style, century-old building in Spain’s Balearic Islands is now home to Artchimboldi Menorca, an alternative corporate retreat space. The 2,475-square-foot locale, originally built as a schoolhouse in 1900 and abandoned over decades, resonated with Artchimboldi founder Anna Truyol, who spent childhood summers on the island.  To transform the space into an eclectic haven for digital nomads she partnered with local architect, Emma Martí of Martí Arquitectura.

“I wanted to transfer my experience of more than 10 years in meditation retreats to the corporate world,” explains Truyol. “I’ve replicated the island’s simplicity and lightness while adding elements of beauty, functionality and creativity.” The result is a tranquil co-working space. Manifold meeting spaces throughout the building inspire productivity with options to convene poolside or rest upstairs in the loft, which features accommodations for overnight guests.

Preserving the history of the building remained paramount throughout the project, leading the design team to restore the façade in its original state, replete with Gothic-style, stained glass windows and arched entrances. Juxtaposition between old world and contemporary style creates a tactile sensibility throughout both stories:  Polished cement floors contrast with rugged elements, like the original prefabricated concrete staircase and iron railings. The 20-foot-high ceilings were preserved, resulting in lofty volumes. A 13-foot-high chimney flue draws sight lines to the exposed wood-beamed ceilings and grounds the space.

the bedroom features a modular Mags Soft sofa by Hay as well as additional seating
The bedroom features a modular Mags Soft sofa by HAY, sourced from Barcelona-based contemporary design showroom, Nordicthink.

Though the building’s maré sandstone walls were dilapidated after years of neglect, Truyol and Martí chose to embrace their imperfections, preserving the texture with a fresh coat of limewash. “The walls continue to have life,” says Truyol. The rehabbed space also pays homage to its roots as a historic schoolhouse with playful forms. The designers installed a custom slate chalkboard in the living room, ideal for spontaneous brainstorming among colleagues, and sourced an antique bookcase from Belgium to display terracotta planters and woven, pima-cotton blankets.

The interiors are defined by sensorial forms bathed in neutral hues, with the occasional pop of color. Oversized, pale-gray poufs surround the fireplace, like an array of pebbles on a beach. A globe-shaped pendant lamp with a crème-colored, knit shade diffuses ambient light above the dining table, where a set of white Belloch chairs with beechwood legs surround custom-built, modular lacquered-wood dining tables. Arranged together, the tables create a communal setting for family-style dinners (home-cooked meals are part of the Artchimboldi experience). The ideal home away from home. 

The lofty ceiling is accentuated by exposed wooden beams and quarters of maré sandstone from the original structure.
The lofty ceiling is accentuated by exposed wooden beams and quarters of maré sandstone from the original structure.
An arched front door next to a window with shutters open
The arched front door is a traditional Menorcan design, painted to match the shutters. Clear sightlines throughout the space encourage communication among guests.
a long, communal dining table
The long, communal dining table is actually a set of lacquered wooden surfaces (called Smart Tables), custom-built for Artchimboldi, and can be rearranged for breakout work areas.
A set of Belloch chairs to use at the dining table
A set of Belloch chairs designed by Lagranja for Barcelona-based Santa & Cole blend organic plastics and beechwood.
Eight sleeping cubes, custom, accommodate overnight guests. The cubes are furnished with futons.
Eight sleeping cubes, custom, accommodate overnight guests. The cubes are furnished with futons. Woven blankets are sourced from Teixidors’ Boutique in Terrassa, Spain. Linen curtains from IKEA offer privacy.
A 13-by-13-foot slate chalkboard
A 13-by-13-foot slate chalkboard, customized by the designers, is a nod to the building’s historic roots as a local schoolhouse.
a custom bookshelf designed by Anna Truyol
Anna Truyol also designed the custom bookshelf.
The terrace reading nook features a molded plywood chair designed by Charles and Ray Eames, sourced from Vitra.
The terrace reading nook features a molded plywood chair designed by Charles and Ray Eames, sourced from Vitra.
ergonomic poufs for lounging
Oversized wool Livingstones poufs by French design studio Smarin surround the fireplace, like an array of pebbles on a beach.
An antique patio set is poolside
Clients can bask in the Menorcan sun while brainstorming poolside on an antique patio set sourced by the designers from Madrid-based art studio, Carina Casanovas.
An outdoor shower is made with two pieces of marés sandstone
An outdoor shower is made with two pieces of marés sandstone, designed Emma Martí.

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