Lanzarote’s architecture

What are the characteristics of Lanzarote’s traditional architecture?

One of the main characteristics of traditional Lanzarote architecture is the influence of the island’s climate. The constructions were simple, rustic and satisfied the basic needs of a peasant community.

The whiteness of the houses works as a mirror to deflect the sun’s rays, preventing excessive heat from reaching the dwellings. Thick walls also help to maintain a pleasant temperature inside throughout the year.

The houses were also single-storey, with a central light courtyard and sloping roofs and patios to collect the little rain that falls on the island in the cisterns.

In addition, the orientation of the houses meant that they were closed to the north wind and open to the south, with houses in the shape of an ‘L’ or ‘U’.

How has Lanzarote’s architecture evolved over the years?

The architecture of Lanzarote today broadly follows the main lines of traditional architecture, but now cement blocks are used for the basic structure of the walls. Cement is also used for the exterior, to the detriment of volcanic stone.

Previously, volcanic rock materials were used in the constructions. Those who could afford it opted for blocks of stone cut from the quarry, while poorer families collected rocks from the fields.

For the walls, which were very thick, mud was used to support them and lime was used to cover the exterior.

 

What is César Manrique’s influence on Lanzarote’s architecture?

Lanzarote’s architecture is greatly influenced by the local artist César Manrique, who always integrated it into the landscape.

His work is part of the identity of Lanzarote’s architecture. He argued that wood should continue to be used and that houses and façades should not be demolished.

Examples of how the architecture was integrated into the landscape are the flat roofs of the houses adorned with typical decorations in the form of a hat or a dome. On doors and windows, the predominant colour is green. This was the colour used by the fishermen for their boats and any leftover paint was used to decorate their houses.

As for the wood, balconies are made of this material, and can be seen on façades and interior courtyards. There are also influences from Andalusia and Portugal.

The interiors of the houses are usually quite subdued. They are decorated with ceramic and pottery pieces which are also traditional on the island.

 

What examples of modern architecture can be found in Lanzarote?

Lanzarote’s modern architecture also draws on the traditional influences and inspiration of César Manrique, and can be seen in some of its most emblematic buildings of today such as:

 

• The Timanfaya Interpretation and Visitors’ Centre, a project involving the participation of six architects which was completed in 1993.
• The House of the Volcanoes, an innovative museum dedicated to the volcanic origins of the island which is located above the Jameos del Agua.
• The Hotel Meliá Salinas, designed by architect Fernando Higueras, in collaboration with César Manrique. It is an Asset of Cultural Interest on the island.
• El Diablo Restaurant, with stunning views of the Fire Mountains. It is located in Timanfaya and built on a terrain that reaches 400ºC at a depth of only 6 metres.  For this reason, it’s made from metal, stone and glass materials.

 

Are there any building restrictions to preserve Lanzarote’s architectural style?

As a defender of the island’s natural beauty, César Manrique managed to convince people that Lanzarote’s towns should maintain their identity. This led to a ban on erecting billboards on the side of roads so that the scenery could be enjoyed instead.

 

The five essentials of Lanzarote’s architecture

When considering the architecture of Lanzarote, there is a great diversity of buildings that are worth seeing on a visit to the island. Here are the five essential buildings that you should definitely check out:

1. Jameos del Agua.
2. Cueva de los Verdes.
3. César Manrique House Museum.
4. Mirador del Rio.

5. Lagomar Museum.

Also of interest are the Cactus Garden, the Casa Museo del Campesino (House Museum of the Peasant Farmer), the César Manrique Foundation, the Mirador de Haría and the Castle of San José, among many other works.

 

 
 

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