From a Run-Down House to a Dream Home: Dave’s Mallorca Project Moves Forward

Buying an old house in Mallorca and transforming it into a dream home sounds like an exciting adventure. But what happens when you discover that the existing building is in much worse condition than expected and that the original renovation plans need to be completely rethought?

In Chapter 2, we followed Dave, Oliver and the Kuhlmann & Partner team as they explored the property and began planning the renovation. It soon became clear that transforming this traditional Mallorcan house would be a much bigger challenge than initially expected. Serious structural issues meant that large parts of the existing building could not be preserved as originally planned.

After assessing the condition of the house, the team had to determine which of the original stone walls could remain. New structural solutions, revised plans and extensive coordination between the professionals involved became necessary. What was initially expected to be a short pause turned into several months of planning and important decisions.

Now, construction is finally moving forward again.

In Chapter 3 of our series “From a Run-Down House to a Dream Home”, we follow Dave from demolition to rebuilding. We take a closer look at the new foundation, the role of the steel beams in the redesigned layout and the plans to reuse some of the original stone. Dave also shares an unusual idea for staying close to the project while construction continues.

[WATCH THE FULL VIDEO – CHAPTER 3]

Deciding What Could Be Saved

After a closer inspection of the property, it became clear that much of the existing masonry could not reasonably be incorporated into the new structure.

In the end, two substantial original stone walls could be retained: the north and west walls. Following an assessment by the structural engineer, these elements could be included in the revised plans.

Other walls were considerably weaker and did not provide the same basis for the new construction. Keeping them would have required additional work that was not considered worthwhile in relation to the overall project.

The decision was therefore made to rebuild large parts of the house while retaining the original elements that could be incorporated into the new design.

This fundamentally changed the scope of the project. Rather than simply modernising an old property, the team now had to rebuild much of the house while respecting the approved external dimensions and the conditions of the existing building permit.

Giving the Original Stone a New Purpose

The demolition also produced a large quantity of stone from the original building. Rather than discarding everything, Dave wants to reuse as much of this material as possible.

The aim is to preserve the character of the property and maintain its connection to traditional Mallorcan architecture. Suitable stones may be incorporated into the exterior finish and other elements around the plot, depending on their condition and intended use.

This approach means that, even though much of the building will be new, parts of its original identity can remain visible.

Why the Original Plans Had to Change

Once it became clear that much of the existing structure could not be retained, several aspects of the original plans had to be reconsidered.

Although Dave already had a clear idea of the layout he wanted, important details relating to the foundation, structural system, building services and new walls needed to be reviewed and coordinated.

The exterior appearance was another important consideration. Dave wanted the house to retain the character of a traditional Mallorcan finca. A generic modern façade would not have matched his vision.

The architectural concept therefore had to be coordinated with the structural requirements, the practical possibilities of construction and the conditions of the approved project.

A Short Pause Turns into Several Months

Initially, the team expected to resolve the outstanding planning issues within a few weeks. In reality, the process took several months.

Revising the plans required close coordination between the architects, building services planners, structural engineer and construction team.

By the end of 2025, there had been very little visible progress on site. However, behind the scenes, work continued to establish the necessary conditions for rebuilding.

For Dave, this meant waiting considerably longer than expected. At the same time, resolving the outstanding questions before construction resumed was important to avoid having to make major decisions under pressure on site.

Construction eventually restarted in March 2026, marking the beginning of a new phase of the project.

Laying the New Concrete Slab

One of the most important steps after the planning phase was the construction of a new reinforced concrete foundation slab.

The reinforcement was prepared before the concrete was poured. Deliveries and the handling of materials also had to be adapted to the access conditions on the property.

In the video, Dave shows how the work is organised and how the concrete is prepared and placed on site.

The new foundation forms part of the revised structural design. It must be coordinated with the expected loads, ground conditions and other construction requirements.

There is no single foundation solution suitable for every house. The ground, the structure of the building and the relevant engineering calculations all influence which approach is appropriate.

With this important stage completed, the team could move on to the next part of the project: installing the new structural elements.

Concrete Does More Than Simply Dry

During this phase, Dave also explains an interesting aspect of concrete. Its strength does not develop simply because the water evaporates.

Instead, cement reacts chemically with water in a process known as hydration. This reaction allows concrete to develop strength over time.

A period of 28 days is commonly used as a reference point for assessing specified concrete strength in many applications. However, the actual development depends on the mix, environmental conditions and the requirements of the project.

For this reason, subsequent work needs to be coordinated with the relevant technical specifications and the actual conditions on site.

A Structural System Designed for Open Living Spaces

After the foundation work, the project progressed to the planned steel structure. Four steel beams are included in the design.

Three are positioned in the central area of the house, where they help support the upper floor and roof.

This solution supports one of Dave’s main goals: creating an open ground floor where the kitchen, dining area and living room connect visually rather than being separated by unnecessary walls.

Achieving this type of layout requires careful coordination between the architectural design and the structural system. The supporting elements must be positioned to allow the desired open spaces while ensuring that the building loads are safely transferred.

The final arrangement therefore depends on the structural calculations and the specific requirements of the project.

More Freedom for the Interior Design

The revised structure provides the basis for a layout that better reflects Dave’s ideas.

Rather than dividing the ground floor into numerous small rooms, the main living areas are intended to flow into one another. This should create a more spacious atmosphere and make the house suitable for everyday living as well as entertaining family and friends.

At the same time, the staircase, building services, storage and future furniture all need to be considered as part of the overall design.

When these elements are coordinated early in the planning process, potential conflicts can be identified and addressed before they become problems during construction.

An Open and Functional Ground Floor

The house will retain the external dimensions defined by the approved project. In the video, Dave refers to an interior floor area of approximately 170 square metres, excluding balconies and terraces.

The ground floor is being designed around an open living area in which the main spaces connect naturally.

The planned layout includes:

• Entrance area: A clearly defined entrance with a bathroom and a small wardrobe area.
• Kitchen: A kitchen with a central island that will serve as a focal point of the home.
• Dining area: A space directly connected to the kitchen for shared meals.
• Living room: An open living area without unnecessary partitions.
• Open office: A workspace integrated into the overall ground-floor layout.
• Utility room: A practical area for building services, laundry and storage, planned in connection with the new staircase.

The staircase has also been repositioned and redesigned. The area beneath it is intended to accommodate practical functions rather than leaving valuable floor space unused.

The aim is to make the most of the available space while creating a layout that is comfortable and practical for everyday life.

Three Bedrooms Upstairs

The upper floor is planned to contain three bedrooms.

Two will have their own en-suite bathrooms. The third, smaller room will be flexible and could be used as a guest bedroom, a child’s room or an additional workspace.

One of the bedrooms will have access to a terrace included in the approved project.

The main bedroom will be more spacious, with its own bathroom and a walk-in wardrobe arrangement. The connection to the outdoors is also an important part of the experience Dave wants to create.

The aim is to provide a private retreat that combines comfort with a practical layout.

Natural Light and Generous Ceiling Heights

Dave also places particular importance on the feeling of the interior spaces.

In the video, he describes planned ceiling heights in the main bedroom area ranging from approximately 2.80 to 3.50 metres, depending on the position beneath the roof.

Windows and openings are also being planned to bring natural light into the house. This includes the staircase area, where additional daylight should make the circulation space feel brighter and more inviting.

These design choices need to be coordinated with the structural system, roof construction, building services and approved plans.

The intended result is a bright home with a sense of space and a layout suited to Dave’s lifestyle.

A Façade Connected to the Original Finca

Dave wants the house to maintain its connection to Mallorca’s traditional architecture, even after the rebuilding work is complete.

For this reason, the team considered different ways to preserve the original natural-stone appearance during the planning phase. The stones recovered during demolition offer one possible solution.

Where technically suitable, selected stones may be incorporated into the façade or other areas of the property.

This would allow the new building to retain a visible link to the original house, even though much of its structure is being rebuilt.

Making Thoughtful Use of Existing Materials

Reusing existing building materials can offer both aesthetic and practical benefits. However, their condition and suitability for the intended purpose must be assessed before they can be incorporated into the new construction.

For Dave’s project, the natural-stone appearance is an important part of the overall design.

Combining a renewed structural system with reused stone offers a way to bring modern living requirements together with the traditional character of the property.

An Unusual Solution for the Construction Period

While the house is being rebuilt, Dave faces a practical question: where will he stay during construction?

He wants to spend more time in Mallorca, follow the progress of the project in person and document the different stages. However, finding accommodation for an extended period can be expensive, particularly during the busy summer season.

His solution is to create a glamping camp on the property.

The idea includes permanently set-up tents, a photovoltaic system, an outdoor kitchen and an outdoor shower. The aim is to create a temporary but comfortable place to stay while the house itself is not yet habitable.

Staying Close to the Work on Site

The camp should allow Dave to remain close to the construction work and follow the progress more regularly.

It also adds another story to the project: while Kuhlmann & Partner rebuilds the house, Dave is preparing a temporary living space on the same plot.

Of course, any temporary facilities need to be suitable for the site and comply with the requirements that apply to the property.

Dave also plans to document this part of the project, giving viewers a further insight into everyday life during a long-term construction project.

Dave’s project shows how significantly a renovation can change once the actual condition of a building has been assessed.

Following demolition, important decisions relating to the structure, layout and building services had to be reconsidered. Coordination between the architects, specialist planners and construction team was essential to prepare the project for rebuilding.

At Kuhlmann & Partner, we understand that every property and plot comes with its own requirements. Careful planning, coordination between the different trades and consideration of the client’s individual needs are important parts of a well-organised construction project.

On Mallorca, local conditions and the planning requirements applicable to each property also play an important role.

Our aim is to bring the client’s ideas together with the technical and practical requirements of the project, helping to ensure that the different stages of construction work towards a common goal.

Chapter 3 marks an important turning point in Dave’s construction project in Mallorca.

What began as a renovation has become a much more extensive rebuilding project. Problems with the existing structure, changes to the plans and a lengthy pause all affected the original schedule. At the same time, the planning process helped establish a new approach tailored to the property.

With the new foundation in place and the steel beams being installed, construction is moving forward again. The revised layout is designed to create bright, open living spaces, while the reuse of the original natural stone will help preserve the character of the house.

Meanwhile, Dave is preparing his own glamping camp so he can stay close to the property and follow the work as it progresses.

There is still a long way to go before the house becomes his dream home. However, after months of planning, the project is finally moving forward and the vision is beginning to take shape.

Planning a new build or a major renovation in Mallorca? Kuhlmann & Partner can help you explore your project and plan the next steps around your property and individual requirements.

Get in touch with our team and tell us about your ideas. We look forward to hearing about your project.