Selldorf Architects

Set in the mountains 20 miles outside of La Palma, Spain, amid reflecting pools, fountains, botanical gardens, stables, and barns, this country estate was originally built in the 15th century as a classic Majorcan finca. Over time it was transformed into an Italian villa, following the tastes of its owners. The challenge in the renovation was to convert Palacio Canet into a fully modernized home for the extended family of an art collector, without altering the graceful simplicity of the existing structures. Selldorf Architects worked closely with the new owners to create a design that

fulfilled complex functional requirements, while seamlessly integrating new systems and bringing a modern sensibility to the estate as a whole, including the landscaping and newly added pools, tennis courts, and spa. The firm also worked closely with a local architect and a team of consultants to resolve numerous construction hurdles, from rebuilding the terracotta roof and its original framing, to preserving delicate original finishes.