FORarquitectura Rehabilitates 90-Year-Old Fishermen's House in Málaga's El Palo
Casa Sotarrá has been completed by FORarquitectura, revitalizing a 90-year-old fishermen's residence located on Calle Banda del Mar in Las Playas de El Palo, Málaga. The renovation maintains the original height and volume, preserving 90 m² of built area while reorganizing 72.80 m² of usable space. The house, which was in dire condition, suffered from a lack of natural light and structural safety; the architects documented its deficiencies to support the restoration of the roof and enhance energy efficiency. Traditional materials like ceramic roof tiles and timber were salvaged, complemented by modern solutions for improved thermal insulation. The name Sotarrá, meaning mending fishing nets, pays homage to the area's heritage. This project serves as a prototype for over 500 homes facing regulatory challenges and gentrification. Photography by Juanca Lagares.
Key facts
- FORarquitectura rehabilitated Casa Sotarrá, a roughly 90-year-old fishermen's house on Calle Banda del Mar in Las Playas de El Palo, Málaga
- The intervention preserves the original volume, height and perimeter, keeping 90 m² built and reorganizing 72.80 m² usable
- The house was in critical condition, with rooms lacking natural light and ventilation and insufficient structural safety and habitability
- Recovered materials include flat ceramic roof tiles, timber structure, render, ceramic facade pieces, terrazzo and prefabricated latticework
- A new flat-tile roof with a micro-ventilated chamber and improved thermal insulation were added
- The name Sotarrá refers to the sotarráez's task of mending fishing nets, historically linked to the neighborhood
- The project followed years of academic research and administrative procedures under the regulatory framework of Spain's Coastal Law
- Las Playas de El Palo contains more than 500 first-line homes threatened by real-estate pressure and gentrification
Entities
Artists
- Juanca Lagares
Institutions
- FORarquitectura
- Diariodesign
Locations
- Málaga
- Spain
- El Palo
- Las Playas de El Palo
- Calle Banda del Mar