M House / A-lab
Integration and articulation with the surroundings. Located on the Algarve coast, Casa M stands proudly on a village hill, overlooking the ocean. The design carefully considers the local climate—hot summers, humid winters, and a prevailing Atlantic breeze. As a townhouse on a narrow street, Casa M optimizes its space across half-floors to harmonize with neighboring volumes. Bringing traditional architectural principles and vernacular expression to the contemporary world, Casa M beautifully blends with its surroundings. Sustainability and Eco-efficiency - Casa M prioritizes a sustainable design by integrating both passive and active systems, optimizing light, shade, and natural ventilation to significantly reduce energy consumption, eliminating the need for air conditioning. Eco-efficiency is ingrained in the design, with the incorporation of an interior courtyard that acts as a wind chimney, serving as a natural cooling system and a light shaft. The architectural design guides natural lighting and ventilation on a 19-meter deep plot, ensuring climatic comfort. Additionally, the design concept seeks to streamline production chains by minimizing materials and details, ensuring easier maintenance over time. The ultimate goal is to create comfortable living conditions without unnecessary complexity.
© Alexander Bogorodskiy
- architects: A-lab
- Location: 8500 Alvor, Portugal
- Project Year: 2023
- Photographs: Alexander Bogorodskiy
- Area: 290.0 m2
