'I didn't want it to be a pastiche – I wanted it to be respectful to the local elements. 'I did a lot of research on naval architecture here in Mahon, I looked at how to resolve things from trusses, a window, a door, a gate, to even a bench,' Laplace said. Large windows punctuate the walls and ceilings of the gallery space, creating a play of shadows on the stone walls. The interior of Hauser & Wirth Menorca features original wood beams which were restored and whitewashed, while its walls were not rendered completely smooth but instead reveal the stone masonry beneath. The photo is by Stefan Altenburger and courtesy of the artist and Hauser & Wirth. Installation view of Masses and Movements by Mark Bradford. The studio used traditional materials and techniques throughout the restoration, incorporating local masonry, a terracotta-tiled roof and terrazzo floors that were constructed using locally sourced stone. These are adjoined at the centre by a contemporary courtyard that marks the entrance to the galleries. Long, linear exhibition spaces occupy the two largest buildings. We have been working for a long time against the white-cube sort of space.' The Cantina has a nautical look 'We have to keep the building's integrity and work around the context.

'We wanted to celebrate the history of the building and bring value to all its scars,' Laplace co-founder Luis Laplace told Dezeen. Elogio del vacío VI, 2000, by Eduardo Chillida was positioned beside a courtyard. Laplace explained that the studio looked to preserve the memory of the existing building by highlighting its 'scars' and adapting the structure to appear as though it was always there. The site is complete with eight exhibition spaces, a restaurant, a gallery shop, a sculpture trail and biodiverse gardens. Above: Laplace restored the 18th-century buildingsĪ two-year conservation project saw the three buildings converted into a 1,500-square-metre cultural hub.

Top: the island is located in Menorca's natural harbour. It is housed within a formerly derelict hospital facility that was built and occupied by the British Navy from the early 1700s.

Named Hauser & Wirth Menorca, the gallery is located on a small island off the coast of Mahon in the south of Menorca.

Piet oudolf