WHAT WE DO

We have spent years exploring the path towards sustainable development of projects. Located on the island of Mallorca, a highly esteemed environment but also under significant urban and touristic pressure that is depleting ecosystems and altering the landscape.

Our insular condition frames and restricts the rules of the game regarding the use of materials and construction techniques. The degradation of the landscape highlights the potential to extract valuable insights from local culture and traditions to be used in the pursuit of solutions deeply rooted in time and place. Without dwelling in nostalgia, we look towards the future and global issues with a critical and forward-thinking approach to local knowledge.

We focus on material experimentation to break free from the established norms of the construction industry, which seeks to standardize and phase out traditional techniques due to the globalization of architecture. We design based on the resources available in the immediate environment (Limestone, Sandstone or Marés, Earth, Straw, Posidonia, Sheep’s Wool), to create a product that functions well in our climate. Local and vernacular. We propose moving forward by looking back, without losing sight of the past and tradition; continuing to refine tradition as an indisputable heritage; defending regional identities against totalizing uniformity. We prefer evolution over revolution.

ETHOS - We strongly advocate for an integrated and collaborative design approach, where architecture, interior design, and landscaping seamlessly converge to create a unified whole.

 Munarq is dedicated to shaping architecture that goes beyond mere structures, but rather encapsulates profound spaces within meticulously crafted buildings. Embracing the surrounding context, whether natural or man-made, we perceive constraints not as hindrances but as catalysts that fuel our creative journey. Our ethos revolves around sculpting spaces that harmonize intimacy with expansiveness, utilizing natural light nuances to craft dynamic settings that transform throughout the day. The evocative and tactile attributes of materials are instrumental in animating these spaces, infusing them with a unique identity. Leveraging our extensive experience collaborating with artisans worldwide, munarq has honed a distinctive design language marked by its inventive play with materials and light.

 Our work is a testament to the belief that architecture is more than just the creation of space; it is the crafting of an experience where the senses, space, and time are in perfect harmony. By drawing on natural materials, traditional techniques, and holistic principles, we create environments that are not only functional but also deeply resonant, nurturing the human spirit and celebrating the beauty of the natural world. Through this approach, we aspire to create architecture that is timeless, sustainable, and, above all, in harmony with the world around it.

OUR APROACH

We collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of professionals without a physical meeting place, adding different roles as needed for each project. At munarq, we work in a very local environment but within a global network of people. We view modern workspaces as flexible, where each member can organize themselves as they wish. Remote work and meetings with international clients enable and streamline this approach, allowing us to adapt quickly to changing project demands.

WHO WE ARE

munarq is an architectural firm based in Mallorca founded by Rafel Munar and Pau Munar, focused on the harmonious integration of architecture within the Mediterranean landscape. Constantly striving to introduce innovative concepts to the island’s construction tradition, we tackle intricate challenges with a straightforward and efficient approach to achieve success. Our core values revolve around a profound reverence for our land, leading us to prioritize sustainable construction practices that have minimal impact on our surroundings. We prioritize the use of natural materials and environmentally friendly transformations to preserve the integrity of our environment.

LANDSCAPE

“GENIUS LOCI.” Our approach is about crafting a dialogue between the landscape and human intervention, where each informs and enriches the other. It is this dialogue that brings forth the *Genius Loci*, creating a space where the spirit of the place is in harmony with human action. By respecting the landscape and allowing it to guide our designs, we create projects that are not only functional but also deeply meaningful, contributing to the ongoing story of the land. Through this perspective, we do not simply build structures; we shape the landscape, creating environments that resonate with the natural world and the human spirit alike.

Our commitment to holistic principles is evident in every aspect of our design. We believe that architecture should nourish the mind, body, and spirit. This belief drives us to create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also psychologically and emotionally enriching. We pay close attention to the way a space feels, considering factors such as acoustics, texture, and the play of light and shadow. The result is an environment that is in harmony with its inhabitants.

MATERIA

The use of natural materials is the key to fulfilling our commitment. Buildings become part of the landscape, as the materials originate from the same territory where they are located. We strive to incorporate traditional building methods that have stood the test of time, adapting them to meet modern needs without losing their essence. These techniques, which often rely on the skilled hands of artisans, bring a sense of authenticity and craftsmanship to our projects. By embracing these methods, we ensure that our architecture has a soul, a connection to the past that anchors it in the present.

At the core of our design process is the idea that architecture should not impose itself on its surroundings but should instead emerge from them. We draw inspiration from nature, allowing the environment to guide our choices in materials and techniques. By using natural materials—such as wood, stone, and clay—we ensure that our buildings are not only visually pleasing but also tactile, inviting touch and interaction. These materials, with their inherent warmth and texture, establish a direct connection between the built environment and the natural world, blurring the boundaries between the interior and exterior spaces.

ATMOSPHERE

Our architectural philosophy is deeply rooted in the pursuit of harmony, where space, time, and the senses converge to create an environment that transcends mere functionality. We believe that architecture is not just about erecting structures but about crafting experiences that resonate with the human soul. Our work is dedicated to creating atmospheres where every sense is engaged, and where the interplay between natural materials, timeless techniques, and holistic principles is celebrated.

Time plays a pivotal role in our approach to architecture. We design spaces that evolve with the seasons, that age gracefully, and that reflect the passage of time. Our buildings are not static; they are dynamic entities that respond to the changing light, weather, and moods of the day. This temporal aspect of our work is what brings our spaces to life, making them feel organic and alive.

TRADITIO

We look to the past. The past is a repository of knowledge, where materials and details were used not just functionally but as a means to create landscapes. By studying how previous generations interacted with their environment, we gain insight into how we can engage with our landscapes today. We draw inspiration from traditional methods and materials, understanding that these are not mere relics of a bygone era but are crucial elements in crafting spaces that are deeply connected to their surroundings.

Team:
Rafel Munar Riera
Pau Munar Comas
Antoni Llull Verd

Collaborators:
Miquel Toni Nicolau
Maria Camprodón
Marc Peiró

QNTM engineering:
Ramon Nicolau, technical architect
Rafel Comas, technical architect
Esther Boluda, technical architect
Miquel Serra, technical architect

Contact

We're munarq!
Rafel +34 687 426 382
Pau +34 647 870 067
hola@munarq.es