The rehabilitation of the Zarautz Palace in Getaria has received a new recognition. The restoration project of the historic building has won first prize in the Construction category at the Egurtek 2026 awards. This international forum and competition, held every two years, highlights the use of wood in architecture and construction.
The project, developed by the studio VAUMM Architecture and Urbanism, focused on recovering the value of the historic building and adapting it to new uses. The intervention combines respect for the past with a vision of contemporary architecture, using wood as a fundamental element in design and construction.
The construction company Iparragirre Eraikuntza also participated in the rehabilitation work, executing the project. The award, therefore, recognizes the work of all the professionals and stakeholders involved in the restoration of Zarautz Palace.
The rehabilitation of Zarautz Palace is the result of the work carried out to recover the historic heritage of Getaria and create cultural facilities for the town. The Getaria City Council, with the support of the Provincial Council of Gipuzkoa and the Basque Government, has promoted the building's restoration process to recover a significant part of the town's historic heritage for the future.
The Egurtek award is not the first recognition the project has received. In 2025, the rehabilitation of Zarautz Palace also won the rehabilitation and restoration award from the Official College of Basque-Navarrese Architects (EHAEO-COAVN).
This new award highlights the work done to preserve, restore, and adapt Getaria's historic heritage to new uses, as well as the quality of the architectural project and the contribution of everyone involved in the execution.
