Balearic Bauhaus
The Ibizan fincas, as we know them, are admired for their rustic charm and timeless beauty, but not so much for their industrial heritage. These traditional farmhouses are handmade using locally sourced materials, such as stone and sabina wood, and feature a simple, understated, and functional design.
Over the years, many of these original fincas have been renovated and modernized, often with the addition of steel windows. A good example of this can be found in finca Can Basso (F. Dimmers). The combination of the old and the new, the industrial and the vernacular, the minimalistic and the rustic, works wonders. It’s as if they were destined to meet each other, both originating just a couple of hundred years and an industrial revolution apart. City Boys Walter Gropius and Le Corbusier weren't even close to being born when the islands' farmers were building their future family inheritance, stone by stone. Hecho de mano.
The recent rise in popularity of steel windows is not only due to their aesthetic appeal but also, if not mostly, for their technical advantages. It makes a lot of sense as one of their most significant 'strengths' is their sustainability and longevity. Steel is a highly durable material that can last for decades without needing any replacement besides regular maintenance. Additionally, they are energy-efficient, which can result in significant cost savings on energy bills (or hopefully not increasing them!). Having a very high recycling rate, they also make for an eco-friendly choice, contrary to their bad rep.
Another reason we love them so much is because of their ultra-minimal frames. Unlike traditional wooden, aluminum, or vinyl windows (God forbid!), steel frames are made much thinner, which allows for a better glass-to-frame ratio and a smoother connection to the outdoors. This minimalism also means that the steel frames come as close as possible to the original openings, as they used to be left open. This allows for a more unobstructed view of the beautiful campo and a greater sense of connection to nature, with its free-floating air, luscious rays of sunlight, and smells of spring flowers. Kumbaya.
The natural strength of the frame, combined with its irregularities and grainy texture, makes for an appealing transition between the rough and rugged dry walls of the casa payesa and the slick double (if you're lucky) panes of floating glass that'll keep you warm in the cold winters.
Combine them with the ubiquitous olive-shaped grips and handles, and your little windowsill is just screaming to be featured on your Instagram feed. Just don't forget the bougainvillea that goes with it … .
Credits: Can Basso - Francis Dimmers