CAn Nina

A Home Between Tradition and Reinvention.

A Dialogue Between Past and Present in Sant Lluís.

Nestled in the heart of Sant Lluís, Menorca, Can Nina is a home at a crossroads—between its historic essence and a renewed, contemporary identity. Originally a traditional Menorcan house, it was envisioned by its owner, the singer and ex-director of Operación Triunfo España, as a space to be restored with care, balancing preservation with modernity. The project unfolded through two distinct approaches, each exploring different degrees of transformation.

Core Principles: Order, Light, and Openness.

The design centered around three guiding principles, reflecting the owner’s vision:

Order: A home where everything has its place, from functional storage to structured spaces that enhance daily life.

Light: The original house had some natural illumination, and the new interventions ensured that no light was lost but rather amplified through reconfigured openings and materials.

Openness: The project introduced fluid, connected spaces, particularly in the kitchen-dining-living area, reinforcing the idea of a home that breathes and adapts.

Two vision, one home.

The Conservative Approach – A delicate restoration, respecting the original structure, materials, and spatial composition while upgrading its functionality. This proposal sought to retain as much of the existing house as possible, acknowledging its imperfections while embracing its character.
The CLT Reinvention – A more radical intervention, reimagining the home with Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) to create a lighter, more sustainable structure. This version leveraged CLT's structural efficiency, precision, and ecological benefits, proposing a bold yet respectful reinterpretation of the house’s spatial logic.

Key Spatial Transformations.

Expanded and redefined entrance, welcoming natural flow into the home.
Reconfiguration of bedrooms and bathrooms, optimizing privacy and efficiency.
Integration of a semi-open staircase, enhancing spatial continuity.
Connection between interior and exterior, introducing a garden-centric design, with a terrace and an envisioned summer dining space.
A restrained yet elegant material palette, ensuring timelessness and warmth.

More Than a House, a Reflection on Living.

Can Nina is not just about architecture—it is about living. It is a project that questions how we inhabit spaces, how we reconcile history with innovation, and how a home can evolve without losing its soul.

Whether through restoration or reinvention, Can Nina stands as an exploration of what it means to transform a space while respecting its essence—a house that, in its transformation, remains deeply Menorcan.