Raúl Sánchez Architects Adds Contemporary Steel Layer to 19th-Century Pirate House in Spain

In Mataró, near Barcelona, Spain, architect Raúl Sánchez has completed a renovation of La Casa del Pirata, a 19th-century residence originally belonging to privateer Manuel Cuyás. The project introduces a contemporary intervention while preserving the historical character of the home. Rather than a conventional restoration, the design focuses on inserting a unified stainless steel plinth that runs along the perimeter of the main rooms. This element incorporates seating, desks, storage, and technical systems into a single continuous form. The reflective steel surface creates a visual dialogue with the existing ornate interiors, which feature painted ceilings, decorative wallpapers, and historical portraits that remain intact. The approach intentionally retains signs of wear, such as cracks and uneven textures, accepting them as part of the building's layered history. Mirrored panels extend spatial perceptions and reflect decorative ceilings, while moments of color—like a bright yellow table—introduce contemporary accents. The living area is designed to support both domestic life and work activities. By concentrating changes into one material system and leaving most original fabric untouched, the project frames heritage as an evolving condition rather than a fixed past state. The renovation allows different historical periods to coexist without hierarchy, extending the narrative of the pirate's house into the present. Photography for the project was handled by José Hevia.