House with exterior staircase (Patín)

The patín or potín (exterior staircase) is a very characteristic architectural element of certain fishermen's houses. Its introduction allows for the emergence of the only model of house with differentiated access to each floor, enabling greater typological variety. Its origin lies in the need to maximise usable living space, achieved by placing the access staircase on the exterior.

These are generally buildings located in the urban fabric furthest from the sea, in areas where the terrain tends to slope. The patín may be positioned on one of the side walls of the house, taking advantage of the slope, but it also appears on the front façade, either parallel or perpendicular to it.

At the top of the staircase is the patamal, supported on a solid stone base that forms the staircase and platform — though this is sometimes hollow and used as a chicken coop or storage area. The patamal serves several functions: as a place for repairing and drying fishing nets, as a leisure space on summer days, and more.