The Difference Between Decoration and Design
A client who says ‘I want an outdoor kitchen’ gets a standard configuration. A client who says ‘I cook outdoors three times a week, I need storage for paella pans, and I want the prep area shaded but the grill in open air’ gets a space designed around their actual behaviour. This is the difference between decoration and design — and it is why our custom projects consistently become our clients’ favourite spaces.
At FIJI, custom work includes outdoor kitchens with integrated appliances and stone countertops, built-in seating with hidden storage, bespoke staircases connecting terrace levels, treehouses for family properties, landscape-integrated lighting systems, and hybrid structures combining wood, aluminium, glass, and fabric. Each project is designed from the problem outward, not from a catalogue inward.
The process begins with a free site visit where we walk the space, understand how you live, assess technical constraints, and sketch preliminary concepts. Within five working days, you receive detailed drawings, material specifications, and an itemized quotation. Custom projects typically take 1-3 weeks longer than standard installations due to design refinement and specialized fabrication.
Outdoor Kitchens: The Heart of Mediterranean Entertaining
The outdoor kitchen is the most requested custom element in our Mallorca projects — and for good reason. Mallorca’s climate supports outdoor dining for 8-9 months of the year, and a well-designed kitchen transforms casual grilling into genuine culinary theatre.
Our outdoor kitchen designs integrate stone or Dekton countertops, stainless steel appliances, concealed plumbing and gas lines, and weather-resistant cabinetry. The critical design principle is zoning: prep area under shade, grill in open air for smoke dispersion, and a serving counter that faces the dining zone so the cook remains part of the conversation.
Material choices matter enormously. Countertops must withstand thermal shock — hot pans placed directly on stone, ice buckets on the same surface. We use 30 mm thick granite or Dekton for maximum durability. Cabinetry frames are aluminium with marine-grade hardware; door fronts can be IPE, aluminium, or weather-resistant composite in your preferred finish.
Cost starts at approximately 8,000 € for a compact L-shaped kitchen with grill, sink, and storage. Full U-shaped configurations with integrated refrigerators, wine storage, and pizza ovens reach 25,000-35,000 €. Every design is unique — contact us for a personalized quote after a site visit.
Built-In Seating, Planters, and Staircases: The Details That Define a Space
The most memorable outdoor spaces are defined by details that appear effortless but require enormous precision to execute. A built-in bench that follows the exact curve of a terrace edge. A planter integrated into the decking structure at precisely the right height for tending herbs. A staircase with IPE treads and concealed LED lighting that transforms from functional to magical at dusk.
Built-in seating with hidden storage is one of our most practical custom elements. The bench structure is treated pine or aluminium framing with IPE cladding. Lift-top seats reveal weatherproof storage for cushions, pool toys, and garden tools — eliminating the visual clutter of outdoor storage boxes. Costs range from 2,000-5,000 € depending on length and complexity.
Integrated planters require careful drainage design. Each planter connects to the terrace’s overall drainage system, with perforated bases and gravel layers preventing waterlogging. We design planter depths for specific plant types: 25 cm for herbs and Mediterranean ground cover, 40 cm for shrubs and dwarf citrus, 60+ cm for small trees.
Bespoke staircases between terrace levels are engineered for both safety and beauty. Wide IPE treads (minimum 120 cm) with integrated LED strip lighting and brushed stainless steel handrails. Each staircase is a custom fabrication requiring precise measurement and workshop pre-cutting. Costs range from 4,000-8,000 € depending on width, height, and material choice.
Landscape Lighting: Designing Atmosphere After Dark
Lighting is the most underestimated element in outdoor design — and the one that most dramatically extends how you use your space. A well-lit terrace transforms from a daytime-only area into an evening destination. The key principle is layering light at three heights rather than flooding the space from a single source.
Ground-level lighting: recessed LED path lights along walkways, uplights beneath statement plants, and subtle strip lighting along deck edges. These define circulation and create visual depth.
Mid-level lighting: wall-mounted fixtures, post lights on fence columns, and pendant lights suspended from pergola beams. These provide functional illumination for dining and conversation areas.
Overhead lighting: string lights woven through pergola slats, recessed downlights in solid pergola roofs, and subtle moonlighting from tree-mounted fixtures. These create ambient atmosphere without harsh glare.
All our lighting systems use warm white LEDs (2700-3000K) that complement wood tones rather than the cold blue of higher colour temperatures. Integrated systems connect to smart home controls, allowing scene programming — ‘dining’, ‘relaxing’, ‘entertaining’ — with a single touch. A complete lighting design for a 50 m² terrace costs 3,000-6,000 € including fixtures, wiring, and control systems.
Treehouses and Family Projects: Outdoor Spaces for Every Generation
For family properties in Esporles, Valldemossa, and Soller, custom treehouses and play structures are among our most rewarding projects. These are not prefabricated climbing frames — they are bespoke architectural elements designed to match your property’s aesthetic while providing genuine adventure for children.
Our treehouse designs use IPE platforms and railings for longevity, with treated pine structural elements where strength and cost efficiency matter. Safety is paramount: all railings meet EN 1176 playground standards, platforms are minimum 1.5 meters above ground with soft-fall surfacing beneath, and access is via rope ladders, climbing walls, or enclosed staircases depending on children’s ages.
Design integration is critical. A treehouse should look like it belongs in your garden, not like a temporary toy. We match wood tones with existing terraces, design rooflines that complement nearby structures, and integrate planters or green roofs that soften the visual impact. The result is a play structure that enhances rather than compromises your landscape design.
Custom family projects extend beyond treehouses: outdoor cinema screens with concealed projection housing, bocce courts with IPE borders, yoga platforms with integrated shade sails, and outdoor showers with stone walls and copper fixtures. Every project begins with the same question: what do you want to do outdoors that you cannot do today?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a custom outdoor project cost in Mallorca?
Costs vary widely depending on scope and complexity. Outdoor kitchens start at 8,000 €. Built-in seating with storage ranges from 2,000-5,000 €. Bespoke staircases cost 4,000-8,000 €. Complete lighting designs for a 50 m² terrace run 3,000-6,000 €. We provide detailed, itemized quotes after a free site visit and design consultation.
How long does a custom project take to complete?
Custom projects typically take 1-3 weeks longer than standard installations due to design refinement and specialized fabrication. A typical timeline: 1 week consultation, 2-3 weeks design and approvals, 2-4 weeks fabrication, and 1-3 weeks installation. Complex projects with multiple custom elements may take 8-12 weeks total.
Can you design custom elements that match my existing terrace?
Absolutely. We source wood from the same batches whenever possible to ensure grain and colour harmony. For aluminium elements, we match the existing RAL colour. Every custom project is designed as a seamless extension of your current outdoor space, not an addition that competes with it.
Do custom projects require building permits in Mallorca?
It depends on the scope. Outdoor kitchens and built-in structures typically require a licencia de obra menor. Treehouses and play structures may need approval depending on height and location. We handle all permit applications as part of our service and advise case-by-case during the design phase.