An unusual pitch was built in the Portuguese town of Oeiras, near Lisbon. Its design was carried out by the architect Miguel Marcelino, who, together with his team, decided to set the sports facility on a steep slope. The result of their work is a pitch that has acquired an unusual charm.
In the picturesque setting of Oeiras, on a steep slope, a pitch has been created that redefines the boundaries between architecture and landscape. Implemented between 2020 and 2025, the project is called Laje Football Field and is based on a precisely designed L-shaped retaining wall. It is this that created a perfectly flat pitch, although the terrain naturally sloped at ever-increasing angles.
Deeply cut into the slope, a ramp leads down to a sheltered atrium at turf level. Here, a continuous monolithic bench runs right next to the pitch, providing a view and comfortable waiting area. Interestingly, the stands are limited to just this one row. This was a deliberate move by the architects, who wanted everyone watching the game to feel close to the game.
The monolithic wall was made of reinforced concrete with added iron oxide pigment – hence the characteristic earthy colour. This colour allowed the facility to blend in better with the landscape. The blending of raw granite and man-made construction creates a harmonious whole. A big plus!
The new playground was also designed as a meeting place. Here, residents can relax among the greenery with an attractive view of the surrounding area. The project proves that even the most challenging terrain can be turned into an asset, creating a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
design: Miguel Marcelino
design team: Miguel Coutinho, João Neto, Martina Cappellini, Mariana Almeida
photos: Archive Miguel Marcelino (photographer: Lourenço T. Abreu)
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