pema studio shelters home behind original façade in dense urban portugal

the home's volumetric form is inspired by islamic architecture, as large voids connect the interiors to the outdoors.

tim spears December 30, 2022 4 min

volumetric, islamic-influenced casa forte by pema studio

Designed by Pema Studio, Casa Forte sits as a private residential fortress behind an original façade outside Porto in Portugal. Its volumetric form is inspired by Islamic architecture, as its transforms the traditional patio home. Large voids connect the interiors to the outdoors, upwards towards the vivid blue sky and out to the pool and courtyard.

pema studio shelters home behind original façade in dense urban portugal - 1 — Casa Forte sits as a private residential fortress behind an original façade in a dense urban area

All images courtesy of Ivo Tavares Studio

The site for Casa Forte by Pema Studio is located in a dense urban area in Santo Tirso, where residences conform to a street-to-back courtyard typology. This typical patio house was reinterpreted into a protected, tranquil oasis. Its challenging, complex plot is confined between neighbors, but the result does not impact on anyone’s views or sunlight. As such, the project’s name, forte, illustrates its achievement of privacy.

pema studio shelters home behind original façade in dense urban portugal - 2 — The design reinterprets the typical patio house into a protected, tranquil oasis

pema studio uses voids to connect home with nature

Mimicking the plot’s boundaries, the architectural intervention replaced the old with a new massive block. Only the old façade remains as it was restored and rehabilitated to reduce its impact on the adjacent street. The architect then subtracted sections from the large volume to create voids that act as patios to connect with the outdoors, including a lawn and pool area.

pema studio shelters home behind original façade in dense urban portugal - 3 — The architect subtracted sections from the large volume to create voids

The house’s volumetric design takes influence from Islamic architecture. The voids capture light and encourage ventilation – light acts as the main protagonist in the project. With nature flooding through the property, the interiors are emotive and surprising for residents yet also pragmatic and flexible. White-washed walls are combined with light timber cladding and furniture to further the home’s natural aesthetic.