This article about the Residence Can Ressol project was published in Ideat France magazine in July 2024.
Located in the heart of Ibiza, between Santa Gertrudis and San Rafael, a recently renovated home sits serenely beneath the canopy of trees in a peaceful forest.
For this renovation project, the owner, Rodrigo Izquierdo, an experienced interior architect, sought to break away from the typical Ibiza aesthetic. Originally from Barcelona and residing in Milan for nearly two decades, Rodrigo worked as the artistic director of the interior architecture division at Patricia Urquiola’s renowned studio before founding his own design firm in 2016. “Typically, people expect island homes to be by the sea. But here, we are enveloped by trees, and the natural light is extraordinary,” says Rodrigo.
Rodrigo’s love for Ibiza has deepened over the years, through visits with friends and professional trips. When he and his friend decided to buy a second home, Ibiza was the clear choice. This home, hidden within the landscape, became their dream property. From the outside, the house appeared modest, but once inside, they discovered the full scope of the renovation ahead. The insulation, plumbing, and electrical systems required complete overhauls, and only after stripping the interior down completely did they begin designing their vision. “We let the house guide the process. Built in the ’80s, we didn’t want to force the rustic style of a traditional Ibiza farmhouse. We aimed for a more practical, functional approach, much like the architects of the 1950s and ‘60s,” explains Rodrigo.
Though the home evokes a coastal atmosphere, it was essential for Rodrigo to avoid the typical beach cabin style. Instead, he drew inspiration from the timeless elegance of the Ligurian coast and the French Riviera of the 1960s. This approach resulted in a sleek, geometric style grounded in a simple Mediterranean color palette. “We intentionally chose primary colors, which were a nod to vacations—an essential return to simplicity. This ‘essential’ also influenced our decision to select objects based on their intended functionality,” says Rodrigo.
Nestled in a north-facing valley, with the longest sides oriented to the east and west, the house is never directly exposed to sunlight. “To make the most of it, I had to adjust some openings and windows to maximize natural light. However, what’s unique about this property is the play of shadows and light through the trees. In the garden, the shadows are constantly in motion. I wanted to capture that feeling through the windows, maintaining a connection to the outdoors, the clouds, the trees. We tried to turn a limitation into a quality, creating an atmosphere that would enhance the overall experience,” explains Rodrigo.
To bring balance and character to the spaces, Rodrigo chose a rustic, textured Italian flooring material from La Pietra Compattata and added light beams to the ceilings. The bathrooms are all covered in tiles in various shades of caramel brown, which were very popular in the 1950s and 60s. Designing this home was not easy, quite the opposite, but Rodrigo is pleased with the result. “I managed to balance my three goals: budget, awareness, and essence. This project reflects who I am. In a vacation home, I like being surrounded by beautiful things, but without them being overwhelming. Many decorative items came from our Milan apartment; we simply moved them here. Many design pieces naturally integrated into the space.”
During the colder months, the owners enjoy cozy evenings by the fireplace, while in the summer, when the island turns into a large party, their home becomes even more precious as it is tucked away, like a retreat among the trees. On the terrace, friends come and go, moving from one sofa to another with the changing light, to read and unwind. “Some have even fallen asleep there before lunch. Isn’t that the best gift? Seeing a friend take a nap at unexpected hours?”
