portuguese martins architecture office has turned a nearly abandoned shop in braga, portugal, into a luminous, minimalistic oriental therapy center complemented by the richness of marble. conceived as a ‘box in a box’, the ‘performative bond’ project covers the space in white adding sophisticated elegant elements to the interior.

 

subtle marble lines define the layout of this medical center in braga, by martins architecture
reception
all photos by NUDO

 

 

as one enters martins‘ shop, they immediately face the reception — an intimate space hidden behind a tasteful white-and-blue marble divider. the lightness of the space is completed by the natural hues of wooden chairs and the line of light breaking the strict perspective of the ceiling.

 

subtle marble lines define the layout of this medical center in braga, by martins architecture
reception view from the shopping mall

 

 

the treatment spaces are entirely white, while their boundaries are highlighted by an unexpected detail — the plinth there is made of marble, too, flowing from the floor to the door frames. the only element standing out in this room is the sink — the metal bowl balances the contrast between the light fabric curtains and the stone skirting.

 

subtle marble lines define the layout of this medical center in braga, by martins architecture
treatment areas

 

subtle marble lines define the layout of this medical center in braga, by martins architecture
the metal sink

 

subtle marble lines define the layout of this medical center in braga, by martins architecture
detail of the marble skirt and door framing

 

subtle marble lines define the layout of this medical center in braga, by martins architecture
marble and fabric

 

subtle marble lines define the layout of this medical center in braga, by martins architecture
diagram

subtle marble lines define the layout of this medical center in braga, by martins architecture
plan

subtle marble lines define the layout of this medical center in braga, by martins architecture
section

 

subtle marble lines define the layout of this medical center in braga, by martins architecture
mockup and drawing

 

project info:

 

architects: martins architecture office
team: josé martins, marta machado, marina carbia
program: oriental therapy center
size: 49 m2
location: braga, portugal
status: built
year: 2018
photography: NUDO