Ria House, The house is called Casa da Ria as it is near the Alvor Estuary, over which it has panoramic and ever changing views due to the varying tides.
Courtesy of Mário Martins Atelier
The plot is extensive and slopes steeply to the north-west, where the wide views open up to the east and south and the light intensifies. Here, the outdoor spaces and shadows become more appealing, to enjoy the delights of a mild climate, all year round.
Courtesy of Mário Martins Atelier
Although the urban regulations for this area allow the construction of 3 floors from ground level up, it was decided to build just 2 floors in order to achieve more horizontality and a smooth connection with the surrounding landscape. In this way, the visual impact is reduced. The house seems to almost disappear to the north-west, from where the entrance is reached, through a walkway that crosses the garden.
Courtesy of Mário Martins Atelier
You enter the lower floor by a narrow and purposely high space that leads to an open, transparent living room, with double-height ceilings, which is the centre and heart of the house. From the living room, there is an open staircase that leads to the upper floor and to the below ground basement. From there you can also see the loose walkway that crosses it, giving access to all the rooms on that floor. From the living room you have access to the open kitchen, to the bedroom and the privacy of its secluded patio, as well as the large terrace at the front that sets the physical and visual relation with the garden and swimming pool.
Courtesy of Mário Martins Atelier
The open-plan upper floor has bedrooms and work and leisure areas. Under the ground floor there is an additional area, almost underground, for extra usage. It is intended for parking, storage and technical areas.
Courtesy of Mário Martins Atelier
An imposing volume, horizontal and white, cut out, with great plasticity, is complemented by overlapping horizontal planes of loose, differing sizes, placed on a foundation that is given weight by the exposed concrete cladding. Paradoxically, there is a more subtle touch of living, organic plants, which are also part of the house and are to be enjoyed. From the patios and terraces you can feel the intimacy of a sheltered space and the breadth of spectacular views that blend into the horizon.
Courtesy of Mário Martins Atelier
Casa da Ria is both inside and outside, natural and constructed, light and shadow, open and closed. But it is light and elegant, designed with the scent of Mediterranean light.
Project Info
Architects: Mário Martins Atelier
Country: Portugal, Lagos
Year: 2022
photographs: Courtesy of Mário Martins Atelier
Architect: Mário Martins
Team: Nuno Colaço; Sónia Fialho; Mariana Franco; Raquel Cravinho
Engineering: Nuno Grave Engenharia
Landscape: MundoVerde – Arquitetura Paisagista e Ambiente
Construction: Marques Antunes Engenharia Lda
Madeline Brooks is a Projects Editor at Arch2O, where she has been shaping and refining architectural content since March 2024. With over a decade of experience in editorial work, she has curated, revised, and published an array of projects covering architecture, urbanism, and public space design. A graduate of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Madeline brings a strong academic foundation and a discerning editorial eye to each piece she oversees. Since joining Arch2O, she has played a pivotal role in shaping the platform’s editorial direction, with a focus on sustainability, social relevance, and cutting-edge design. Madeline excels at translating complex architectural ideas into clear, engaging stories that resonate with both industry professionals and general readers. She works closely with architects, designers, and global contributors to ensure every project is presented with clarity, depth, and compelling visual narrative. Her editorial leadership continues to elevate Arch2O’s role in global architectural dialogue.