Stunning & sustainable homes by Sita Mallorca

Katrin

Interview with John, founder of Sita Mallorca. Sita Mallorca is a luxury property development company. They design sustainable homes that respect the traditional Mallorcan architecture and at the same time, they look closely into the needs of a nowadays lifestyle. Their sustainable homes build with green technologies and biophilic design principles.

Hi John, thank you for taking part in our Being Designs interviews project. Can you introduce yourself to our readers?

John

John and Lisa Stodart, owners of Sita Mallorca.

In 2006 we moved from the Scottish Borders to the valley of Sóller with our two-young boys to create a lifestyle directly connected with nature and the outdoors, and for better health and wellbeing. We are as enchanted today as when we first arrived by this colorful, vibrant community and the cosmopolitan energy of Mallorca. 

In the 15 years since we settled on the island we have learned a lot about renovating and construction in the region; from the difficulties of truly isolating meter-thick stone walls to dilapidated roofs and complicated building permissions. We also met talented builders and discovered hidden spots for sourcing materials.   With an increasing awareness of our environment and the realization that old townhouses could never become truly sustainable, we had an idea to bring something new to Sóller. We imagined all the benefits of the beautiful, traditional materials and artisan skills paired with a modern and sustainable building design that fits with a 21st-century lifestyle. After a year of searching, our vision became a reality when we found the right location just a 5-minute walk from the Sóller plaza. We are excited to present Casas del Ficus: three spacious and inviting sustainable homes with health, sustainability, nature, and well-being as the guiding design objectives.

Sóller is our home, our sita in Spanish. It means where our loved ones are and home forever. We hope Sóller becomes your ‘forever.’

Katrin

How did you start working in the industry?

John

We owned a construction business in the UK and have always had a passion for constructing sustainable homes using innovative materials.  We always look to source locally and support local businesses.  It is not always easy as quality varies massively, however, we discovered that if you dig deep and explore there are always artisans who produce the most amazing works whether that be; stone, metal, wood,  ceramics, furniture, or art.  Our tenacity to source locally pays off and it also adds to the satisfaction of what we do.

Katrin

What is your vision as a developer?

Sóller is our home, our sita in Spanish. It means where our loved ones are and home forever. We hope Sóller becomes your ‘forever.’

John

To introduce homeowners to the value of biophilic design within their homes.  The benefits of providing spaces that transform the connection between outside and inside into one seamless flow are pleasing aesthetically, but also provide tremendous health benefits both physically and mentally.  Our signature piece for the Mallorca development incorporates a ficus tree growing in the center of the house, climbing through the stairwell to the open cupola to the roof.  We need to value the connection with nature and therefore incorporate it into our home rather than treat nature as a separate area. 

Katrin

Which role does sustainability play for your company? 

I have always had a passion for constructing sustainable homes using innovative materials.

John

Sustainability is the cornerstone of all that we do.  In our experience in Mallorca, it is extremely difficult to reform old houses to gain a meaningful impact.  The majority of houses in Mallorca are constructed without attention to insulation, air flow, or damp proofing with the result that energy usage skyrockets, mold becomes an issue in winter and clean air within the home becomes a problem.  We anchor every project in its ability to minimize impact, maximize efficiency and ensure healthy living. We construct using renewable and recyclable materials and we design with our focus being on reduction in energy consumption, minimizing waste, and creating bright, light airy environs.

Katrin

Can you explain more to the people who are not into architecture what makes the building sustainable?   

John

There is a multitude of elements incorporated into the design and construction that ensure our houses are sustainable.  We choose materials that are not only locally sourced but are also recycled from old masses and fincas, (palaces and farmhouses)  such as the stone floors,  wooden beams, wooden doors, and even the landscaping we transplant, orange, lemon, and olive trees from local fincas.  Additionally, we incorporate smart elements throughout the houses inside and out to maximize efficiency,  For example, we carry a number of smart elements throughout including;  movement, temperature, and pressure sensors to monitor airflow, temperature, and lighting to ensure power is only utilized when it is truly needed.  Our homes have solar and when possible ground source heat pumps to maximize energy efficiency.   We are incorporating smart monitoring systems on fridges and freezers to minimize food waste and automate the ordering of groceries with the goal to prevent the need for daily journeys to the store.  We also capture wastewater for irrigation and rainwater for nondrinking home use.  Our children are susceptible to allergies and sensitive to pollutants and therefore we choose carpeting, paint, and fabrics that reduce the release of harmful organic compounds.

So we use low VOC paints and hard-wax oil floors.

We design with our focus being on reduction in energy consumption, minimizing waste, and creating bright, light airy environs.

Katrin

The quality of the construction materials can affect the environment and life of people. How do you make a choice when it comes to the materials for your projects?  

John

We visit every supplier whether here in Mallorca or in Mainland Spain.  Not all are Sustainably certified, however,  in many cases we find that the process, protocols, and actions that they take are equal if not better than some ‘’ certified’’  suppliers that we have met.   Certified or not, if they don’t meet our requirements we don’t use them. 

Katrin

I want to ask a personal question. Which profession did you dream about when you were a kid? 

John

Being a farmer.  I grew up on a farm and therefore have always been connected to the land.  In Soller, we realized this dream when we bought our finca which produces olive oil,  canoneta oranges,  avocados, mandarins, and recently our own organic red wine.

Katrin

Which advice would you give yourself in the past?

John

Be daring, be tenacious.

Katrin

I believe together we can change the world for the better. Do you?:) What is your personal view on the future of our planet? 

John

Of course, we can make it better.   All 5 of our children are intensely aware of the need to protect our planet and for real impactful change to occur from global climatic matters to local awareness and attention.  We find that to be the case in all children of their generation.   We live in a period where access to knowledge has never been so prevalent and where children have never been as receptive as they are today to gain knowledge and take action to provide positive change. The evolution of AI, robotics, and automation combined with the increase in the population over the next 30 years means we as a society need to pivot to make our lives on earth more meaningful and fulfilling.   The evolution of education and knowledge delivery results in a greater number of problem solvers and moon shoot thinkers that will help mankind navigate and thrive into the next century and beyond.