This residence presents a realistic interpretation of Mediterranean modernist architecture, harmoniously blended with Portuguese cubist influences. Located in Portugal, this pure white, minimalist home embraces a natural, organic layout. The building’s trapezoidal form follows the contours of the site, efficiently organizing interior spaces to maximize sunlight and capture pleasant views. The design creates seamless, borderless transitions between indoor and outdoor environments, fostering a close connection between the living spaces and nature.
The core design concept features clean architectural lines, an all-white uniform palette, and low, flat roofs that double as living terraces. The building’s volumes are shaped by irregular angles, which define the play of light and shadow throughout the spaces. This approach is driven by an environmental philosophy prioritizing climate responsiveness, natural ventilation, and daylight optimization.
The building’s base volume aligns parallel to the plot’s lateral boundary. The north facade is nearly ‘blind,’ creating a stark contrast to the other facades, three of which feature expansive glazed walls from different perspectives. These glazed areas establish a strong connection between the home, terraces, and surrounding landscape. The first floor continues this approach with a clean north facade, while the remaining facades prioritize views, sunlight, and landscape integration, disregarding conventional BIM planning rules.
The functional layout is organized across three levels. The basement houses the parking garage, storage areas, a technical studio, cinema, and gym. These spaces are arranged organically, following the natural slope of the site.
The first floor contains social spaces including the kitchen and living room, both opening through large glass windows onto the main terrace adjacent to the swimming pool. A more private wing includes a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom and a multipurpose hall.
A bright, sculptural metal staircase connects the ground floor to the private upper level, which includes a master suite with an en-suite bathroom, as well as another bedroom with its own bathroom. Two private terraces face south-west and north-west, offering breathtaking views of the countryside, sea, and mountains, along with stunning sunrises and sunsets.
These two terraces naturally follow the slope of the land, arranged in a linear, irregular fashion consistent with the building’s layout. They create an integrated terrace and swimming pool area based on the main design concept. The upper terrace, located on the ground floor, faces west towards the sunset, while the lower terrace incorporates the overflow pool’s collection tank and forms a transitional space connecting the upper platform with the garden.
The organic Mediterranean dry garden concept prioritizes low maintenance and water efficiency, respecting the original slope of the site. It incorporates local white gravel, olive trees, and pine trees. This sustainable landscaping approach extends to external circulation areas and main entrance paths, which are paved with local cobblestones in keeping with regional traditions.
Overall, the design operates between “two thematic worlds.” The “first world,” at the northern entrance, features a private zone tucked behind the side rooms, creating an intimate residential space. This area transforms into a “second world,” a dynamic, open, and seamlessly connected environment that integrates the leisure terrace and pool with the natural surroundings, especially Mediterranean dry gardens and rural oceanic horizon views.
Drawings
Hand-drawn conceptual sketch
Hand-drawn conceptual sketch
Hand-drawn conceptual sketch
Hand-drawn conceptual sketch
Hand-drawn conceptual sketch
Hand-drawn conceptual sketch
Hand-drawn conceptual sketch
Hand-drawn conceptual sketch
Master Plan
Underground Garage Floor Plan
First Floor Plan
Second Floor Plan
Sectional View
Elevation Drawing
Node Construction Diagram
Node Construction Diagram
Node Construction Diagram
Node Construction Diagram
Project Information
Architect: STUDIOARTE Architects
Location: Lagoa, Portugal
Lead Architect: João Carriço
Building Area: 379.0 square meters
Project Year: 2017
Architectural Photographer: Photo by Daclus
Development, Project Management, and Design Philosophy: Arnold Olsen
Construction Contractor: JA Duarte & Filho, Construções Lda. (Lagos)
Engineering: VERITATE – Loda’s Projectos e Fiscalização de Engenharia (Portimão)
Landscape and Greening Design: ECOSSISTEMAS – Construção de Espaços Verdes
Architectural 3D Rendering: Bruno Silva
Interior Design: Claudine Cullimore (Designer) – England
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