6 min read
In the latest in this series which showcases healthy, extraordinary homes, we visit Finca Alfabia, a Spanish farmhouse lovingly crafted into a home by Terra Coll.
‘The New Naturals’ was born from a fascination with natural materials that foster a deep, mindful connection to nature, and how these can be used within our homes. As Haslam explains, “the book came about by noticing a shift in the way people were designing and furnishing their homes. I'd noticed there was a move away from simple modern white architectural ‘box’ homes to a more natural, wooden and textured aesthetic. It was the movement of the natural homes to the forefront of design, and seeing them in an urban setting that really intrigued me. Rather than simply being a visual choice, I wanted to know if it delved deeper into people’s eco-consciousness, and of course that transpired to be true.”
When she discovered Finca Alfabia, her vision of what the book would become was clear. “The tactility and craft that exudes from Tatiana and Tyson’s home, and the rustic nature of the setting summed up my initial perceptions of what the book would look and feel like.” Haslam continues, “the mix of raw and natural materials are overtly present in this particular story and the layers of history are embraced, be it the gnarly wooden supporting struts, or the stone trough sinks which were old cattle feeders found on the land, the owners used their skills as potters to handcraft and impeccably restore this beautiful home.”
Nestled in the heart of Mallorca, Tyson Strang and Tatiana Baibabaeva’s home is a striking blend of artistry, sustainability and personal vision. This beautiful stone finca (a traditional Spanish farmhouse) represents the couple’s journey from the bustling life of New York to a slower, more intentional existence. Their shared passion for ceramics and a desire to live sustainably led them to restore this 1700s farmhouse, transforming it into a place that reflects their love for craft and using natural materials to connect the home to the island.
Tyson, a former educator, and Tatiana, a fashion designer, first discovered pottery as a hobby during their time in New York. What began as a relaxing pastime soon evolved into a true passion. They became immersed in the tactile process of creating ceramics, and over time, this passion led them to Mallorca – a hub for artisan potters who use the island’s natural resources in their craft.
Drawn to the island’s wild beauty and vibrant community, Tyson and Tatiana made the decision to move permanently. They applied for residency and began searching for a property. After months of looking, they found a finca in disrepair near Costitx. “Once we saw the dilapidated farmhouse, we knew we could make it our home,” explains Tyson. “We could see everything we wanted the house to be.”
The building was in poor condition, with dark, cramped rooms and dated 1970s decor. Yet, despite the state of the house, Tyson and Tatiana immediately saw its potential and set out to restore the traditional stone building to its former glory.
The kitchen serves as the heart of the home. Tyson and Tatiana wanted the kitchen to connect the living and dining spaces. Stone walls exposed during the renovation now house the couple’s handcrafted pottery. The rustic stone sink, found in their garden and carefully chiseled into place, adds to the home’s earthy character. In the living room, a white sofa contrasts with the rugged stone floor. The couple added a large, old stone they found in the garden as a coffee table, giving the room a further connection to the landscape.
The bedroom continues this theme of comfort and craftsmanship. Tyson and Tatiana chose a low-lying bed to complement the sloping roof, which they made themselves from terracotta and lime plaster. The hand-laid pebble mosaic flooring softens the space, while the tadelakt walls bring texture to the room.
Restoring the finca required not only physical effort but a deep respect for the home’s history. Tyson and Tatiana wanted to blend traditional building techniques with modern sustainability principles, ensuring that the home would honor its past while supporting their environmentally conscious lifestyle. As such, the couple spent summers in Mallorca before their permanent move, learning traditional building techniques from local builders.
“The layers of history are embraced, be it the gnarly wooden supporting struts, or the stone trough sinks which were old cattle feeders found on the land, the owners used their skills as potters to handcraft and impeccably restore this beautiful home.”
Jennifer Haslam
“We hated seeing this organic, authentic beauty wearing ugly clothes,” says Tyson. One of their first tasks was to open up the small, cave-like rooms, creating more space and light. Stripping away layers of plaster revealed beautiful stonework that had been hidden for decades. Rather than opting for modern chemical treatments, they used natural chalk paint to seal the stone, preserving its authenticity without introducing toxins into the home.
Sustainability wasn’t just a design consideration for Tyson and Tatiana – it was fundamental to how they wanted to live. Every decision, from the materials they used to the energy systems they installed, was made with the environment in mind.
One of the most striking features of the home is the hand-laid pebble floor, created using local stones and bound with sand. This labor-intensive process not only ensured that the materials were sustainable but also tied the home to the island’s natural landscape. The couple also installed reclaimed wooden doors and centuries-old stone sinks, breathing new life into these historic elements.
As part of their long-term sustainability plan, Tyson and Tatiana intend to take their home off-grid. They plan to add solar panels and explore options for water extraction, further reducing their environmental footprint.
Wellbeing was a central consideration throughout the design process. Tyson and Tatiana wanted their home to be a place where they and their two children could thrive, surrounded by nature and materials that support a healthy living environment.
Natural light floods the home, thanks to large windows that frame views of the surrounding countryside. Ample ventilation, along with the use of breathable materials like tadelakt plaster, ensures that the air inside remains fresh and healthy. This plaster, known for its moisture-regulating properties, not only adds texture to the walls but also supports the home’s overall air quality.
Now that their home is nearly complete, Tyson and Tatiana have launched a new business venture – Terra Coll Home – offering home remodeling services to others on the island. Their own experience with sustainable building techniques and restoration has equipped them with the skills and knowledge to help others create homes that are not only beautiful but environmentally friendly.
As their family has grown, with two children now running free on the property, Tyson and Tatiana reflect on the journey that brought them to this point. “We started this journey just the two of us, and were now a family of four,” says Tatiana. “Having space for them to run around and connect with nature there's just no comparison to our previous life in a small Manhattan apartment.”
In their handcrafted stone home, Tyson and Tatiana have created more than just a living space. They’ve built a sanctuary that honors the past, embraces sustainability and supports the wellbeing of everyone who lives within its walls.
Credit: 'The New Naturals' by Jennifer Haslam (Hardie Grant, 2023)
Photography: © Simon Bevan
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