dynamic OHLAB facade switches from shutters to pergolas across paral·lel complex in spain

paral·lel by ohlab reveals wooden panels acting as solar filters

Spanish architecture firm OHLAB takes to the southwest of Palma with Paral·lel, a new residential project located in the quiet neighborhood of Bonanova. The complex, captured by photographer José Hevia, reveals two independent blocks, each taking full advantage of the urban planning regulations of the ground floor plus three levels, despite the density and limited space. Each of the 12 dwellings enjoys the suburban ideal of sustainability, energy efficiency, privacy, and even small private gardens and pools. The duplexes are divided into six units on the ground floor with a garden and pool, while six penthouses with a rooftop pool offer panoramic views towards Palma Bay, as well as Cala Mayor and Illetas. The main facades take center stage with their folding wooden slat shutters that act as solar filters, creating a dynamic effect reminiscent of the traditional pergolas and lattices of the Mediterranean. This solution allows for privacy regulation and control of sunlight entry throughout the year.

Paral·lel complex by OHLAB | image © José Hevia

a shutter-to-pergola design inspired by mallorcan tradition

A versatile addition, OHLAB (see more here) envisioned the Paral·lel facade skin with panels that can be lifted and transformed from shutters to pergolas based on residential needs, orientation, and sun exposure. This technique enables winter solar gain and protection against overheating in summer, creating a changing, organic, and permeable envelope that reflects interior life. The shutter design is optimized through solar studies and draws inspiration from Mallorcan vernacular tradition. Combined with cross-ventilation and a heat recovery system, the architects successfully maximize energy efficiency across Paral·lel. Furthermore, by using certified wooden slats across the main facade, the project ultimately meets sustainability and environmental responsibility standards. Obtaining wood through responsible and sustainable forest management not only promotes environmental protection and biodiversity, but also ensures its traceability and its derivative products throughout the supply chain, argues the team. 

a new residential project located in the quiet neighborhood of Bonanova | image © José Hevia

achieving maximum energy efficiency and eco water usage

The project has been designed to achieve maximum energy efficiency and very low cooling demand. This significantly reduces the need for air conditioning and refrigeration compared to conventional buildings, resulting in reduced energy costs. The lateral facades of the building present a strategy that allows for integration into the urban context. In this sense, more solid and hermetic facades have been designed to limit views towards the closest neighbors and adjoining streets, guaranteeing user privacy. The choice of different textures and earthy tones in the lateral facades contributes to the visual integration of the building into the urban environment and its contextualization within the urban fabric. The irregularity in the openings and the combination of different textures and tones break away from the flatness and regularity of the lateral facades, providing a more organic and natural character to the building.

image © José Hevia

A rainwater collection and storage system has been integrated into the building with the aim of utilizing available water resources and minimizing environmental impact. This system, based on the installation of cisterns, allows for the collection and storage of rainwater produced on the roof and exterior areas of the building. Using this stored water serves various purposes, including supplying water to compensate for the amount lost due to evaporation in the pools. By reusing rainwater to fill the pools, excessive consumption of potable water is avoided. Additionally, the stored water is also used for irrigating the Mediterranean-style gardens, known for their low maintenance and adaptation to the local climate and conditions. Rainwater for irrigation helps reduce the water footprint of the building. The selection of materials used in the project has been a key factor in creating sustainable architecture contextualized within its Mediterranean environment. In this regard, a careful selection of natural and local materials has been carried out, allowing for a harmonious relationship between the building and its surroundings and an appropriate response to climatic and environmental conditions.

wooden slat shutters that act as solar filters | image © José Hevia

Natural materials, such as Mallorcan hydraulic tiles and custom-made terrazzo, contribute to a warm and welcoming atmosphere inside the building while reflecting the local construction tradition. These materials also have a low environmental impact when it comes to extraction and production since they are local resources with minimal industrial processing. Being locally sourced materials, they minimize transportation and consequently reduce CO2 emissions. Furthermore, great importance has been given to the choice of oak wood for floors and doors, a noble and durable material that brings warmth to the spaces.

Paral·lel facade by OHLAB when shutters are closed | image © José Hevia

pergola composition | image © José Hevia

image © José Hevia

striated play of light and shadows | image © José Hevia

bathroom / shower area | image © José Hevia

bringing warmth to the spaces | image © José Hevia

image © Ana Lui

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image © Ana Lui

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project info:

name: Paral·lel 

location: Bonavona, Palma, Spain

architect & interior designer: OHLAB / Paloma Hernaiz and Jaime Oliver

OHLAB team: Paloma Hernaiz and Jaime Oliver with Rebeca Lavín, Robin Harloff, Silvia Morais, Loreto Angulo, Luis Quiles, M.Bruna Pisciotta, Pedro Rodríguez, Mercé Solar, Eusebiu Spac, Lara Ortega

quantity surveyor: Jorge Ramón
structure: DICAES
timber facade consultancy and manufacturing: GRUPO GUBIA
M&E engineering consultants: INGENIO consultores
kitchens and furniture: Espacio Home Design
contractor: Diazgar