Purpose This article analyses the application of circular economy (CE) strategies in the renovation of rural Mediterranean dwellings through three case studies in the province of Málaga, Spain. The research aims to document and evaluate practices of adaptive reuse, selective deconstruction and the integration of local materials in the context of rural heritage regeneration. Design/methodology/approach A qualitative multiple-case design was employed, combining documentary analysis and semi-structured interviews with clients and estate agents to explore both technical and socio-economic dimensions. Findings The results demonstrate that CE-oriented rehabilitation can significantly reduce resource consumption and embodied carbon emissions, while preserving cultural identity and architectural authenticity. Furthermore, the study reveals emerging market trends, with international buyers increasingly valuing sustainable and heritage-friendly housing, suggesting that circular renovation contributes not only to environmental goals but also to the social and economic revitalisation of rural areas. Originality/value The article concludes by highlighting the theoretical implications for heritage studies and the practical potential of replicable, place-based circular strategies in Mediterranean contexts. This article contributes to the growing literature on CE applications in the built environment by examining rural housing rehabilitation in a Mediterranean context. It offers a contextualised understanding of how adaptive reuse and selective deconstruction can align environmental goals with heritage preservation and local revitalisation. The study adds value by integrating technical and socio-economic perspectives, providing evidence-based insights that can inform sustainable renovation practices and territorial policy in rural areas.
Sánchez-Teba et al. (Wed,) studied this question.