zha’s residential tower to anchor neighborhood regeneration
As Malaga continues to transform its former industrial port into a vibrant urban quarter, Sierra Blanca Estates (SBE) unveils a major proposal for the El Bulto neighborhood, anchored by a Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA)-designed, 21-story residential tower. The scheme introduces 153 market-rate apartments along with 80 units of subsidized housing (VPO) earmarked for long-term residents of the working-class community, signaling a shift in how Spanish coastal cities are planning for inclusive, sustainable, and future-facing growth.
all images courtesy of ZHA
the sculptural tower introduces a landmark presence in malaga
Located beside the port’s railway line, the El Bulto proposal is the first in Andalusia to be implemented under a new urban development model focused on co-management and sustainable integration. Spearheaded by Marbella-based SBE as the area’s designated Urban Planning Agent, the project extends into broader urban planning, proposing a network of public squares, landscaped gardens, shaded courtyards, and new recreational and sports facilities. These additions aim to open up the portside area to the city at large, fostering community interaction while improving quality of life for both residents and visitors.
The sculptural, high-density residential building, designed by the team at ZHA, centers the proposal and intends to provide much-needed housing in the city while introducing a landmark presence on Malaga’s evolving skyline. Designed by Patrik Schumacher with project lead Manuela Gatto, the tower reflects ZHA’s signature dynamism, integrating sustainability principles through a team led by Carlos Bausa Martinez.
Crucially, the proposal includes the preservation and relocation of several heritage assets in the area, including the Cottolengo Diocesan Residence – an important gesture towards cultural continuity in a district often overlooked in the city’s touristic image. While construction timelines have yet to be confirmed, the proposal mirrors how the city envisions its future.
21-story residential tower designed by Zaha Hadid Architects (ZHA) to rise in Malaga | render by Atchain
the scheme introduces 153 market-rate apartments along with 80 units of subsidized housing
the El Bulto proposal is the first in Andalusia to be implemented under a new urban development model | render by Morean
the sculptural, high-density residential building centers the proposal
the tower reflects ZHA’s signature dynamism
the proposal includes the preservation and relocation of several heritage assets in the area
project info:
name: El Bulto proposal
architect: Zaha Hadid Architects | @zahahadidarchitects
location: Malaga, Spain
client / developer: Sierra Blanca Estates | @sierrablancaestates
urban planning agent: Sierra Blanca Estates
design lead: Patrik Schumacher
project director: Manuela Gatto
project team: Alicia Hidalgo, Armando Bussey, Jessica Wang, Jose Pareja Gomez, Laizhen Wu, Massimo Napoleoni, Thomas Bagnoli, Veronica Erspamer
sustainability team: Carlos Bausa Martinez, Aditya Ambare, Aleksander Mastalski, Bahaa Alnassrallah, Disha Shetty, Shibani Choudhury
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