César Manrique didn’t just build houses, he reshaped how we perceive the relationship between landscape and design. By treating volcanic rock, wind, and light as primary materials, Manrique placed architecture in a supporting role, allowing the raw beauty of Lanzarote to take center stage.
Though not a classically trained architect, Manrique was a visionary artist. Born in Lanzarote in 1919, he studied fine arts in Madrid and worked primarily as a painter and sculptor. He returned to Lanzarote in the 1960s with a mission: to protect his home from uncontrolled tourism. His “alternative model” proposed that art and nature should function as a single, harmonious system.
Built directly into a lava field, this structure is a marvel of organic architecture. It integrates five natural volcanic bubbles into the living spaces. Minimalist furniture and circular paths ensure the landscape remains the protagonist to reinforce the idea that design should emerge from place, not be imposed upon it.
Seeking a retreat from the busy south, Manrique moved to Haria in the late 1980s. The house was conceived as a personal retreat, studio, and living space, designed to coexist gently with its surroundings. Large openings frame views of palm trees and mountains, turning the landscape into a permanent visual element of the interior.
Here, Manrique honored Lanzarote’s rural identity. This site combines traditional agricultural forms with modern spatial flow. Whitewashed volumes, green shutters, and wooden details reference local building traditions, while courtyards are designed to support social interaction and local craftsmanship.
Tucked into a former volcanic quarry, Lagomar is a labyrinth of caves and tunnels. While designed by Jesús Soto and José María Cáceres, Manrique’s conceptual fingerprints are everywhere. It feels less like a building and more like a curated geological formation, complete with hidden pools and secret alcoves.
For those wishing to understand the philosophy behind the stone, the documentary Taro: Manrique’s Echo is essential viewing. It explores how his sustainable design principles continue to protect Lanzarote’s coastline today.
If you are inspired by this harmony between structure and nature, explore our ‘Lovely Finds’ collection of design candles and cosmic-inspired objects that bring a similar artistic atmosphere into the home.
