We spoke with Tom de Cock, one of the directors of Tribù, a Belgian outdoor furniture company renowned for its timeless elegance and perfect fusion of engineering, comfort, and design. In this interview, he shares the family history behind the brand, its creative philosophy, and his experience working with Terraza Balear, part of Gunni & Trentino, to create a home in Mallorca that reflects calm, nature, and authenticity.
At Tribù you design extraordinary furniture. How did this great company get its start?
My grandfather founded the company over 50 years ago. He started by importing outdoor furniture to Belgium and selling it in neighboring countries within a small radius. Shortly after, my father joined the business and quickly realized there was a gap in the market. He contacted his friend, product designer Wim Segers, and together they created Tribù's first collection, called Praslin . That was the starting point for Tribù as a brand dedicated to outdoor design. Today, my brother and I run the company with the same passion.
Being part of Tribù, it's inevitable to ask: for you, what characteristics should the perfect piece of furniture have?
We come from a family of engineers, so first and foremost, I believe that great design must be technically sound. Once that's ensured, the next essential aspect is comfort. People should be able to relax in the furniture after a long day at work. Combining good design with comfort is a difficult but crucial process for creating the perfect piece. And finally, for me, it's fundamental that the design be timeless. At Tribù, we create understated and durable pieces because I believe furniture shouldn't be based on fleeting trends.
This project is located in an idyllic and unique setting. Why did you choose this location?
It was an easy choice. Sant Elm is where I fell in love with Mallorca. It's the point where the Tramuntana mountain range meets the Mediterranean. An idyllic spot where you can truly relax, and that was very important for my family and me: to be able to come home, unwind, and forget the stress of the day. That's why we chose Sant Elm.
What were your needs when you started this project? Why did you choose Terraza Balear, part of Gunni & Trentino, to carry it out?
What I love most about Terraza Balear, part of Gunni & Trentino, is their ability to create homes , not just second homes on a beautiful island. That's exactly what we wanted to achieve here: not just a house, but a home where we could live and feel comfortable. I believe Terraza has the team and the professionalism to create those kinds of spaces, and that's why we decided to collaborate with them. We don't regret it at all.
When designing the interiors, did you have any requirements in mind before starting, or did you prefer to let yourself be guided by the team at Terraza Balear, part of Gunni & Trentino?
I firmly believe in giving specialists freedom. But, of course, we wanted the home to have a personal touch. Being in this setting, we had a few wishes: we wanted to reflect the green tones of the landscape in the interior design and incorporate some local Mallorcan stones into the house. Terraza Balear incorporated all of this beautifully. Otherwise, we trusted the process and gave them complete freedom to create the house they felt was right for this location.
What do you think of the process of materializing the initial idea?
The process was very smooth. Terraza Balear has a great team that stays in touch with you throughout the construction and design process, checking in with you on every step and any necessary adjustments. That's very reassuring, especially since I couldn't be there very often. I had to trust the Terraza Balear team, and I'm really happy with how everything turned out.
What do you think of the final result?
Honestly, I never imagined having a house like this in Mallorca. I want to thank the entire Terraza Balear team for creating such a beautiful home. Everything works perfectly: the connection between the interior and exterior is incredible, the house adapts completely to your needs, and that's exactly what we were looking for.
Would you like to continue collaborating with Terraza Balear, part of Gunni & Trentino? What do you think they could contribute to future projects?
Yes, of course. A person's or a family's needs change over time, and at each stage of life, I trust that the Terraza Balear team will adapt to those changes and find the best possible solution. I would always choose them again.
