Villa Fortaleza, located on the west coast of the Algarve in Portugal, is a luxury residence that stands out not only for its privileged location by the ocean, but also for its exceptional architectural design, which came from the pencil of Vieira de Moura Architects. The villa was situated on an area with a steep slope, which created the possibility of excellent sunshine and also influenced the concept of the entire building.
The layout of the villa is based on the difference in levels, which became key in the development of the project. The living areas, intended for daily life, extend on the south side, providing views of the ocean, while the communication areas have been concentrated on the north, offering more privacy to the building’s occupants.
One of the architects’ key challenges was to ensure that every space in the three-storey building – both indoors and outdoors – had access to magnificent views of the area’s stunning landscape. Thanks to a carefully considered design, this has been achieved 100 per cent.
The design of the villa also has a dual identity that reflects the different functions and space requirements. The north façade of the residence is minimalist and conservative, as a result of the smaller volume of the building caused by the terrain and the need for privacy. In contrast, the south façade presents a more complex and elaborate architectural form. This part of the building, which is larger in scale, has spacious terraces and dynamic lines, which emphasises its openness to the surrounding landscape and its excellent orientation in relation to the sun.
The geometric solutions used in the design have allowed the villa to blend harmoniously with the surrounding buildings, and have introduced lightness and dynamism into the architecture. This makes Villa Fortaleza not only a luxurious place to live, but also an example of modern architecture that takes full advantage of the natural advantages of its location.
Project name: Villa Fortaleza
Architectural firm: Vieira de Moura Architects
Chief architect: Hugo Moura
Location: Budens, Vila do Bispo (Algarve), Portugal
Year of construction: 2024
Total area: 333.28 sq m
Photographer: Ivo Tavares Studio
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