mário martins atelier's elliptical seaside residence balances contrasting geometries

mário martins atelier has designed ‘casa elíptica,’ located on a naturally sloping terrain in luz, portugal. the scheme, photographed here by fernando guerra, evokes the fluidity and lightness of the coastal area while embracing the natural, curvilinear shapes of the landscape. 

all images © fernando guerra | fg+sg architectural photography, courtesy of mário martins atelier

the unified interior and exterior spaces are both an intense white, a characteristic of many homes that extend along the seaside slope. mário martins atelier has sought to create a connection with the existing, neighboring house to the east, relating back to the concept of ‘balance’ which lies at the foundation of the design. this sense of equilibrium can be found throughout the structure. the density of the elliptical base contrasts greatly against the oculus that floats above the outdoor patio area — creating a dynamic relationship between both positive and negative spaces, density and airiness, and light and shade.

‘it is in this ambience that the house should be experienced, without being aware of where the house begins and ends,’ describes the architect. ‘the fluidity and lightness of its organic design reflects natural shapes, thus defining the house architecturally in its natural setting. and that is the intention for when the building work is completed.’

project info:

location: luz – lagos – portugal

date: 2013 / 2016

architecture: mário martins

collaboration: sónia fialho, rui duarte, nuno colaço, sara silva, rui santos

builder: ilha & ilha, lda

developer: algarve property concept

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