mallorca chicken farm becomes 'sa taronja’ by BEEF architekti

a historic mallorcan site reborn

Sited in the scenic Tramuntana mountains on the island of Mallorca is BEEF Architekti‘s Sa Taronja, a place steeped in history and artistic transformation. Once the island’s largest chicken farm in the 1960s, the space underwent a renovation in the late 1990s when German painter Hartmut Usadel envisioned it as a cultural hub. Usadel transformed the three massive 80-meter-long chicken coops into artist studios, a gallery, and even a small theater. The center was revived, resulting in a momentous Berlin Symphony Orchestra concert. Following the painter’s passing, his vision was carried forward by Tina Horne until 2017, when a new chapter began for the place.

The architecture firm BEEF Architekti stepped in to preserve Sa Taronja’s legacy with a thoughtful two-phase approach. The recently completed first phase focuses on restoring a 300-year-old stone house on the edge of Andratx.

images © Tomeu Canyellas

the modern intervention by beef architekti

The historic stone house, previously used as support space for the cultural center, has been transformed back into the Sa Taronja guest house BEEF Architekti. The architects collaborated with local workers to peel back modern additions, revealing the house’s original, solid stone structure. Natural light floods the communal kitchen area thanks to a strategically enlarged northern facade that fosters a connection with the street. The existing wooden elements were carefully reinforced and preserved, retaining their original character. Local materials like Mares stone were employed for any necessary additions.

The architects emphasized the connection between the house and the existing patio, creating a naturally extended living space. A simple wooden lattice design adds a touch of modern elegance while providing shade throughout the house.

Sa Taronja was once the largest chicken farm in Mallorca

the future of ‘sa taronja’

BEEF Architekti’s philosophy of respecting the site’s history extends to the incorporation of unearthed artifacts into the interior design. Antique furniture, traditional Mallorcan glassware, and art pieces from Sa Taronja’s vibrant cultural center era all find a new home within the restored house.

The second phase of the project tackles the three long halls, originally chicken coops and later artist studios. BEEF Architekti plans to restore the halls’ unique industrial architecture, characterized by a delicate prefabricated steel structure. The modular outer cladding will be replaced with a modern iteration, featuring slightly adjusted window placements to enhance functionality. The interior spaces will be equipped with a flexible utility system, ensuring effortless adaptation for future uses.

in the 1990s, the site was transformed into a cultural center