Can Lis

Architecture has always been a passion of mine, so the visit to Can Lis, was pure joy. Can Lis was designed by the Danish architect Jørn Utzon and was built as his first holiday home in Mallorca for him and his family. It lies on the southeastern side of the island and overlooks the sea from a high cliff where it’s located. It completely rethinks in which domesticity is lived with its separated pavillions.

“A tribute to the sun and the sea”

Can Lis is an exceptional property with clever tributes and references everywhere you go. Being fascinated by symbols, I felt almost as on a treasure hunt when I discovered the pierced crescent (see image 1), the crescent seat (see image 2), and everywhere else these interesting references appeared. 

Utzon, who originally planned the house with sugar lumps, later decided to build it with local sandstone and beautiful glazed tiles as interesting details. The living room and the bedrooms have wide and tall windows that open up the house toward an extraordinary view: the sky and the Mediterranean sea. It’s fascinating to see how classical architecture in terms of configurations meets a minimal modern architectural language. What’s so unique about the house is that everything is planned to interact perfectly with the natural environment outside. 

“Planned the house with sugar lumps”

This was a site visit I’m sure won’t be my last, because I’m convinced that going back to this extraordinary property will award me with further insights and surprises. 

image 1

image 2