In Mallorca, the exterior is not something we design after the house. For much of the year, it is where a large part of life actually happens. Breakfast on a terrace, lunch under a pergola, children around the pool, an evening barbecue, a shaded place to read, or simply opening the doors and allowing the garden and view to become part of the interior — all of these things need to be considered while the house itself is being designed.
Outdoor design brings architecture, construction, landscaping, lighting and the way the house will be used into one coordinated plan. A beautiful terrace is not enough if it has no shade. A spectacular pool loses some of its value if there is nowhere comfortable to sit beside it. An expensive outdoor kitchen is frustrating if it has no storage or the dining table is ten metres away.
The objective is to make the whole exterior work naturally. On Casa Mar in Port Adriano, restricted site access affected how the full basement was built: lightweight shuttering could be moved manually. The same early coordination principle applies outside, where terrace levels, drainage, pergola foundations and pool services need to be resolved before finishes are installed.
Designing the Exterior as Part of the House
We normally start with the architecture, views, orientation and levels of the site, then consider how people will actually move through and use the exterior. Where will you eat? Where will you sit in the morning and in the evening? Which area needs shade? Where should the pool be in relation to the house? What happens to the furniture when it rains? Where do the cushions go? How does the garden provide privacy without blocking the view?
These are practical questions, but together they create the design.
Table of Contents
- Start With the Site, Views and Orientation
- One Exterior, One Coordinated Team
- Terraces, Levels and Circulation
- Choosing Exterior Materials
- Shade, Pergolas and Summer Comfort
- Swimming Pool Design
- Outdoor Kitchens and Dining
- Exterior Furniture and Storage
- Landscaping and Mediterranean Gardens
- Exterior Lighting
- Outdoor Showers, Jacuzzis and Spa Areas
- Drainage, Irrigation and Technical Services
- Durability, Coastal Conditions and Maintenance
- Budget, Procurement and Turnkey Delivery
Start With the Site, Views and Orientation
Before choosing a pool tile or outdoor sofa, we want to understand the site. The best view normally deserves priority, but the sun, prevailing wind, neighbouring properties, privacy and existing vegetation can be just as important.
A west-facing terrace may have beautiful evening light but need serious summer shade. Another area may be perfect in spring but uncomfortable when the prevailing wind arrives. A pool can look spectacular in one position while making the connection with the house unnecessarily difficult. We therefore think about the exterior at different times of day and different times of year.
Mallorca has a long outdoor season. Designing only for August wastes a large part of it. Where possible, we like to create different exterior areas: somewhere sunny in winter, somewhere properly shaded in summer, an informal place near the pool and a more protected dining area for evenings. The exterior becomes much more useful when it gives the client choices.
One Exterior, One Coordinated Team
A well-designed exterior involves considerably more technical coordination than people sometimes expect. The architecture establishes levels, openings and the relationship with the house. The structural design may determine retaining walls, pool structure and pergolas. The builder needs to understand waterproofing, drainage and sequencing. The exterior designer considers materials, furniture and how the spaces will be used. The landscaper works with planting, soil and irrigation.
They cannot work properly in isolation. At Robinson, Paul brings these disciplines together. He coordinates the architect, technical architect, designers, builder, landscaper and specialists around one plan, checks where their decisions meet and keeps the work moving towards the same finished exterior.
A pool contractor cannot decide the pool in isolation if its level affects the terrace. The landscaper needs to know where lighting and drainage are going. The pergola may require foundations, electricity and drainage long before it is installed. Paul leads that coordination from the first design discussions through construction and installation. Resolving the interfaces early gives each specialist clear information, avoids expensive changes on site and makes the exterior feel like one considered part of the house.
Terraces, Levels and Circulation
Good exterior design is largely about movement. The transition from inside to outside should feel easy. We look carefully at thresholds, floor levels, steps, paths and the relationship between doors, terraces, garden and pool. A beautiful flush transition between an interior stone floor and the terrace can be very effective, but technically it needs to be resolved properly. Waterproofing, drainage and falls matter just as much as the visual detail.
The same applies to level changes. Retaining walls and steps can become architectural features rather than simply engineering necessities, particularly when combined with stone, planting and lighting. We also think about the less glamorous routes: getting from the parking area to the house, carrying shopping to the kitchen, reaching the pool plant room, moving furniture and bringing gardening equipment through the property.
A good exterior needs to work when nobody is taking photographs of it.
Choosing Exterior Materials
Exterior materials have to look right, feel right and survive the Mallorca climate. Natural stone plays a large role in many of our projects because it connects architecture, terraces and landscape extremely well. There is also something very physical about it that is difficult to understand from a photograph.
On a hot day, put samples outside in the sun and touch them. Some ceramic, composite or darker surfaces can become extremely hot, while certain lighter natural stones remain considerably more comfortable underfoot. The exact result depends on the material, colour and finish, which is precisely why we like to test rather than choose purely from a catalogue. Around pools, the finish also needs appropriate grip without becoming unpleasant to walk on barefoot.
Dry stone can bring another layer to the design, particularly for retaining walls, boundaries and planted areas. Used carefully, it connects a contemporary house to the Mallorcan landscape without forcing the architecture to become rustic. Timber, metal and rendered surfaces all have their place as well. The important point is to limit the palette and understand how each material will weather.
We prefer a few materials repeated consistently rather than introducing a different finish in every area.
Shade, Pergolas and Summer Comfort
Shade should be designed, not improvised after the first summer. We look at where shade is needed, at what time of day, and whether it should come from architecture, planting or a separate structure. A fixed pergola can become part of the architecture. A bioclimatic pergola offers adjustable shade and ventilation and can integrate lighting or screens. Retractable systems can work well where the client wants greater flexibility.
The correct solution depends on the house. The structure also needs to work technically. Foundations, drainage, wind exposure, electrics and lighting should all be considered before ordering it. Around a swimming pool, we nearly always want some form of shade close enough to the water to be genuinely useful.
Furniture should also have protection somewhere. That may mean a covered terrace, retractable screens, dedicated storage or choosing pieces that can remain outside with minimal intervention. Shade affects whether an exterior is simply beautiful or actually comfortable.
Swimming Pool Design
A pool is usually one of the strongest elements in a Mallorca exterior, so its position should be considered with the architecture rather than fitted into whatever space remains. The relationship with the view is important, but so are sun, wind, privacy, depth, access and the amount of terrace around it.
Infinity and overflow pools can be extremely effective on the right site, although they introduce additional structure, hydraulics and technical space that need to be understood from the beginning. We also consider how people enter the pool, where children will play, where loungers will sit and whether there is enough shade nearby.
The pool plant room needs sensible access. Pumps, filtration, heating, covers and dosing systems all require maintenance. Automatic covers can improve practicality considerably, but the cover system and pit need to be designed with the pool, not added afterwards. Lighting is another part of the architecture. We normally prefer enough pool lighting to make the water attractive and safe without turning it into a brightly illuminated blue box.
A good pool should look as considered at night as it does during the day.
Outdoor Kitchens and Dining
Whenever space and budget allow, we like considering a proper outdoor kitchen. It changes the way the exterior is used. Rather than somebody repeatedly disappearing into the main kitchen, cooking becomes part of being outside with family and guests. It also keeps heat and strong cooking smells away from the interior during summer.
An exterior kitchen can be designed in masonry and stone as part of the architecture, made bespoke, or supplied as a high-quality modular system from a specialist manufacturer. There is no universally better option. A built-in kitchen can integrate beautifully with the house. A specialist manufactured system can offer excellent finishes, hardware and appliances with a more furniture-like appearance.
What matters is designing enough worktop, storage and functionality for the way it will actually be used. Barbecue, grill or plancha, sink, refrigeration, storage and preparation space are the starting points. For some projects we may add an ice maker, dishwasher, wine storage or other appliances. We also like dedicated exterior storage for tableware. Keeping durable outdoor plates, glasses and serving pieces outside makes the space far easier to use.
The dining table should then relate directly to the kitchen, shade and view. That complete sequence — cook, serve, eat, relax — should feel natural.
Exterior Furniture and Storage
Outdoor furniture has improved enormously, and there is no reason for a good exterior to feel substantially less sophisticated than the interior. But the materials have to be appropriate. Frames, fabrics, foams, stitching and finishes need to cope with UV exposure, humidity, rain and, near the coast, salt.
Quality becomes particularly important here. Poor exterior furniture can deteriorate very quickly in Mallorca. We look for pieces that have the comfort and proportions we would expect indoors but are genuinely designed for exterior use. Through LoNiu Home, we can also source outdoor furniture selected for Mediterranean homes in Mallorca. Explore the LoNiu Home outdoor collection for seating, dining and poolside pieces.
Storage also needs to be considered. Cushions, pool towels, toys, barbecue accessories and garden equipment all need somewhere to go. Built-in exterior cupboards, benches with storage or a properly ventilated external store can remove a surprising amount of clutter. These are small decisions that make the finished house much easier to live with.
Landscaping and Mediterranean Gardens
Landscaping can completely change how architecture sits within a site. For us, it is not the green area around the finished building. It is another part of the design. Planting can create privacy, frame a view, soften retaining walls, shade a terrace and change the experience of walking through the property.
We like working directly with landscapers because the planting needs to coordinate with architecture, irrigation, lighting, drainage and exterior furniture. Where appropriate, we favour native and well-adapted Mediterranean planting that suits the climate and the character of Mallorca.
Olive trees, grasses, aromatic planting and other Mediterranean species can create a garden that feels established rather than artificially imposed, although the correct planting depends on the particular site, exposure and soil. Large planters can also be used architecturally, particularly around terraces and pools. They need proper drainage, waterproofing and irrigation rather than simply being treated as oversized decorative pots.
A garden also needs to be designed for the level of maintenance the client actually wants. A beautiful landscape requiring constant attention is not necessarily the correct landscape for a second home.
Exterior Lighting
Exterior lighting should reveal the architecture and landscape without overwhelming them. We normally think in layers. There may be functional lighting for steps, paths, cooking and dining, softer architectural light on walls or pergolas, discreet planting light and selected illumination of trees or stone features.
More light is not automatically better. The most successful exterior lighting often comes from deciding what not to illuminate. Warm, controlled light usually works particularly well with natural stone, timber and planting. The system should also be simple to use.
Scenes can make sense for larger properties: arriving home, dinner, entertaining, pool evening or night mode can each use different groups of lights without the client needing to operate dozens of individual switches. Lighting circuits, conduits and control systems need to be designed before the terraces and garden are finished.
Outdoor Showers, Jacuzzis and Spa Areas
An exterior shower is a relatively simple feature that can add a lot to a pool or coastal property. The position needs privacy, sensible drainage and materials that can deal with constant water exposure. Depending on how the house is used, hot water may also be worth providing rather than assuming the shower will only be used in August.
Exterior jacuzzis and spa areas require more planning. A spa can be freestanding, partially recessed or integrated into the architecture. Whichever approach is chosen, we need to consider the structural load, drainage, electrical supply, heating, access for maintenance and how the cover will work. Privacy matters as well.
A jacuzzi with a spectacular view is attractive. A jacuzzi completely exposed to the neighbouring terrace is less so. We can also integrate outdoor wellness areas with showers, relaxation seating or even sauna facilities where the architecture and planning allow. The important thing is that they feel like part of the exterior rather than equipment placed there afterwards.
Drainage, Irrigation and Technical Services
Some of the most important exterior design decisions are the ones you barely notice when they have been done properly. Drainage is one of them. Mallorca can have periods of very intense rainfall, so terraces, steps, planters and landscaped areas need correct falls and somewhere for water to go.
This is particularly important around flush thresholds, basements, retaining walls and pools. The prettiest terrace in the world is not successful if water enters the living room during the first serious storm. Irrigation should be designed alongside the landscaping, with appropriate zones and control rather than installed as an afterthought.
The exterior may also need electrical sockets, Wi-Fi coverage, speakers, CCTV, gate controls, pool equipment, pergola feeds, kitchen services, garden lighting and provision for future equipment. Putting empty conduits in the right places during construction costs very little. Trying to cross a finished stone terrace later does not.
Durability, Coastal Conditions and Maintenance
Mallorca’s climate is one of the reasons people want to live here, but it is demanding on exterior materials. Strong sun affects fabrics and finishes. Humidity affects timber and metal. Coastal properties introduce salt, which can be particularly aggressive on unsuitable fixings and equipment. The specification therefore needs to respond to the location.
The best-looking material is not always the one we would recommend if it is going to need constant maintenance or look poor after two summers. Maintenance should be discussed honestly. Natural stone may need sealing or periodic treatment depending on the type. Timber changes with exposure. Planting needs care. Pools require maintenance. Pergolas and technical systems need servicing.
No exterior is entirely free of maintenance. The objective is to choose materials and systems whose maintenance is reasonable for the way the client intends to use the property.
Budget, Procurement and Turnkey Delivery
External works are one of the areas most frequently underestimated at the beginning of a project. Our construction costs guide explains why they need a clear allowance within the overall budget. A pool, terraces, retaining walls, pergola, exterior kitchen, lighting, furniture and landscaping can represent a significant investment even before difficult ground conditions are considered. That is why we prefer to establish the exterior scope while the main project is still being developed.
It also helps procurement. Pergolas, specialist lighting, kitchens, furniture, large trees, pool equipment and bespoke pieces can all have significant lead times. The construction sequence matters too. Underground services, drainage, foundations and irrigation sleeves need to happen before expensive terraces and landscaping cover everything.
For clients who want a complete service, Robinson can coordinate the exterior alongside the architecture, construction, interiors and project management through to final installation. That can include the pool, pergolas, kitchen, lighting, furniture, planting, irrigation, planters and final styling.
The objective is not simply to finish the building and leave the exterior for somebody else. It is to finish the property as a whole.
Outdoor Design in Mallorca: Final Thoughts
The best exterior spaces rarely come from one spectacular feature. They work because the architecture, view, materials, shade, pool, furniture, planting and lighting have all been considered together. For us, outdoor design in Mallorca begins with how the client wants to live.
The architecture then gives those activities a structure. Construction makes the details work. Design gives the spaces character and comfort. Landscaping connects everything back to the site. When those disciplines work together, the exterior stops feeling like the area around the house. It becomes part of the house.
If your renovation includes terraces, a pool or a garden, discuss the complete exterior with us while the scope can still be coordinated.
FAQ: Outdoor Design in Mallorca
When Should Exterior Design Begin?
Ideally during the architectural design stage. Pool position, terrace levels, drainage, pergolas, outdoor kitchens, lighting and landscaping can all affect the architecture and construction, so early decisions normally produce a much cleaner result.
What Is the Best Flooring for an Exterior in Mallorca?
There is no single best material. Natural stone works extremely well in many Mallorca projects, but colour, porosity, finish, slip resistance, heat and maintenance all need to suit the particular area. We prefer selecting from real samples and, where possible, seeing how they behave outdoors.
Is a Bioclimatic Pergola Worth Considering?
Yes, particularly where adjustable shade and ventilation are important. But the choice between a fixed, retractable or bioclimatic pergola should depend on the architecture, exposure, use and budget rather than simply choosing the most technical option.
Should an Outdoor Kitchen Be Built In or Purchased?
Both can work extremely well. A built-in kitchen can become part of the architecture, while specialist modular systems offer excellent finishes and appliances. The decision depends on the design, intended use, exposure and level of flexibility required.
Can Robinson Design the Pool and Landscaping as Part of the Exterior?
Yes. We prefer the pool, terraces, landscape, lighting and exterior furniture to be considered together and coordinate with the relevant pool, landscaping and technical specialists.
What Should I Consider When Choosing Outdoor Furniture in Mallorca?
Comfort, UV resistance, moisture resistance, quality of fabrics and foam, corrosion resistance and where cushions will be stored or protected. Coastal properties need particular attention to materials and metal components.
Are Native Plants Better for a Mallorca Garden?
Native and well-adapted Mediterranean plants are often very suitable because they naturally relate to the island’s landscape and climate. The final selection should still take account of soil, sun, wind, irrigation, maintenance and the appearance the client wants.
Can You Install a Jacuzzi or Outdoor Spa?
Yes. The position should be considered with privacy, views, structure, drainage, electrical requirements, heating, covers and maintenance access in mind.
Do Exterior Works Need Planning Permission?
Some exterior works can require planning permission or other municipal approval depending on the scope, property and municipality. Our guide to working with an architect in Mallorca explains the importance of checking the planning position early. Pools, significant structures, pergolas, retaining works and alterations should therefore be checked with the architect before construction or ordering begins.
Can the Complete Exterior Be Delivered Turnkey?
Yes. Where required, the exterior can be coordinated from design through construction, pool and technical works, landscaping, procurement, furniture and final installation so that it is completed as part of the overall property rather than as a separate later project.
Outdoor Living in a Completed Project
The terraces, garden and pool at Contemporary Mediterranean Villa show the connection between living spaces and the exterior. Robinson delivered construction and project management.
Architecture: Jaime Salvá. Photography: Ricard Lopez.
