Villa Escarpa | Mario Martins Atelier

HOUSES•LUZ, PORTUGAL
Architects: Mario Martins Atelier
Year: 2012
Photographs: Fernando Guerra | FG+SG
Manufacturers: Planikafire, Q-railing

In the municipality of Lagos, Algarve, in the southern part of Portugal, Villa Escarpa is close to the community of Praia da Luz.

The new house had to be built in the location of the old one as a requirement of the planning approval. This was situated in an exceptional location on an escarpment overlooking the Algarve coastline and the village of Praia da Luz, while having little architectural or technical quality.

As a result, the footprint was predefined, situated on a very incline slope, and exposed to the predominant winds. Ironically, it is these limitations and challenges that served as the project’s conceptual foundation.

We designed covered terraces and courtyards for outdoor living using a clean, modern architectural language. These are taken from the white, incredibly transparent horizontal volume. This volume appears to be floating above the surrounding landscape as it is supported by an exposed concrete pillar. The building’s challenging balance is resolved with its physical support, minimizing the building’s impact on the environment that we aim to conserve. This guarantees a pleasing visual lightness.

The large living and kitchen areas of the house are divided by a long water surface. Terraces that are wind-protected but open to the sun and breathtaking vistas add to the appeal of these areas. This is the home’s open and flexible communal space.

Access to the four bedrooms is through a hallway that parallels the main courtyard. The bedrooms are in a separate section. The natural light in this private courtyard is filtered, making it a cozy and appealing space.

The lowest level offers technical assistance and storage. The top patio highlights how the structure appears to float in its surroundings.

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