Ferm Living x Utzon – The Can Lis Collection

Standing proudly on the edge of Mallorca’s rugged coastline is Can Lis, the secluded sanctuary of Danish architect Jørn Utzon, and now the inspirational space behind Ferm Living’s Spring Summer 2025 Collection too.

From its weathered stone walls, sun-soaked courtyards, to the concealed foyers designed for taking in the sea views, this incredible home is testament to both Utzon’s creative vision and his way of life.

Most famous globally for designing the iconic Sydney Opera House, it was in response to this turbulent period in his life that Utzon craved to make something deeply personal. Dedicated to his wife, Lis and their unparalleled love for each other, Can Lis which was constructed in 1972, would go on to be the Utzon family’s summer getaway for a quarter of a century.

Designed as a sequence of pavilions that run along the coastline, each one serves a distinct function with a central living room, a separate kitchen and dining area, as well as a series of individual bedrooms, all of which are then connected together by open courtyards and walkways.

While the Opera House may have celebrated Utzon’s bold use of mid-century engineering and innovation, Can Lis is the opposite, embracing a slower, more mindful approach. And, from a distance what might be mistaken as entirely Mallorcan style building, with its undulating bovedillas and sheer, unadorned exterior, upon closer inspection, it becomes very clear, very quickly it has a truly Scandinavian feeling at heart.

It was in fact after experiencing this incredible place for himself that Ferm Living’s Head of Design Phillipp Materna had the idea for the new collection. With the resulting 39 pieces all drawing on the shapes, colours and textures of the house, as well as paying homage to its shifting light, interplay of natural materials and its strong sense of place.

Comprising of furniture, lighting, textiles and accessories some of my favourites include the ‘Vist’ dining chair, the ‘Aukko Dininng Table’ and the ‘Sala’ stool, all of which are crafted from FSC™ certified Douglas Fir and reference the house’s architectural details, joinery and millwork.

Lighting wise there are three new designs to look out for, the lovely ‘Luver’ portable lamp, which mirrors the look of Can Lis’ louvred shutters, as well as the ‘Oeste’ pendant and table lamp, both consisting of three travertine panels surrounding a central light source.

For me however, I am always drawn to Ferm Living’s accessories most, so especially love the new ‘Erena’ dinnerware, which takes its design direction from the house’s Catalan chimneys, the striking mouth-blown ‘Muro’, which means ‘wall’ in Spanish recycled glass vases, and the beautiful ‘Vuelo’ cushions, towels and ceramics, all of which are adorned with bird sketches drawn by Jørn during his stays.

Recognised as one of the most important architectural works of the 20th century, Can Lis embodies the simplicity and tranquillity that many of us still long for especially at times like these, and why being able to bring just a small piece of this into my own home feels so right.