Volcano House. César Manrique Foundation
Mural at César Manrique Foundation
Artist César Manrique built his dream house on a lava field in Lanzarote, one of the Spanish Canary Island.
César Manrique Foundation is headquartered in a spectacular dwelling designed by César Manrique himself upon his return from New York City, when he decided to locate permanently at Lanzarote. This was his home for the 20 years running from 1968 to 1988, the longest he ever lived in a single place. It is sited in the midst of a lava coulee formed during the violent eruptions that rocked the island between 1730 and 1736. This 3,000 square metres building engages in constant dialogue with the natural surrounds on its 30,000-square metres lot and beyond: here, volcano and architecture blend in mutual respect.
“The upper storey draws its inspiration from Lanzarote’s traditional architecture, enhanced with modern functional elements such as wide windows, large rooms and overhead lighting.”
The lower storey is built around five natural volcanic bubbles interconnected by tunnels excavated in the lava. They constitute a surprisingly habitable setting and an exemplary intervention in a natural space. The swimming pool, the small ballroom, the oven, the barbeque…
César Manrique (Arrecife, Lanzarote, April 24, 1919 / Teguise, Lanzarote, September 25, 1992) was a Spanish painter, sculptor and artist. He combined his work with the defense of the environmental values of the Canary Islands. He sought harmony between art and nature as a creative space. He obtained, among others, the World Prize for Ecology and Tourism and the Europe Prize.
