Project: Casa do Sul
Architecture: Nuno Nascimento Arquitectos
Location: Aljezur, Faro District, Portugal
Area: 250 m2
Year: 2024
Photo Credits: Francisco Nogueira
Located in Aljezur, Portugal, Casa do Sul by Nuno Nascimento Arquitectos is a serene holiday retreat that celebrates traditional form, local craftsmanship, and simple living. Designed for relaxation and social connection, the house combines the practicality of rural architecture with contemporary spatial clarity.
A Layout Rooted in Simplicity
The house adopts an L-shaped plan, a configuration typical of southern Portuguese homes. This layout separates the private bedrooms from the social living spaces while maintaining visual and physical continuity. One wing contains four en-suite bedrooms, each designed for rest and quiet. The other wing holds an open-plan living, dining, and kitchen area — the heart of the home.
By concentrating openness in the communal areas, the design encourages gathering and togetherness. Large openings connect the interior to the outdoors, turning daily life into a seamless flow between inside and out.
Spaces for Living and Sharing
The open kitchen extends naturally to an outdoor dining space, ideal for meals in the warm Alentejo sun. Beyond, a swimming pool aligns with the house’s main axis and captures the surrounding views. Together, these elements create a relaxed environment that invites conversation, leisure, and reflection.
A thoughtful feature near the entrance exemplifies the home’s attention to both tradition and comfort: a small water tank for rinsing feet or surfboards after a day at the beach. This simple gesture, inspired by historic Alentejo houses, becomes a shaded, refreshing transition between the exterior and interior.
Honest Materials and Local Character
Casa do Sul was built using local materials and techniques suited to the region’s modest means and climate. Whitewashed walls, tiled roofs, and concrete floors ensure durability and low maintenance. The palette remains understated — lime plaster, timber, and terracotta echo the tones of the landscape.
The architects embraced the limitations of budget and context as design opportunities. The result is a home that feels both grounded and elegant, reflecting the authenticity and resilience of southern Portugal.
A Celebration of Coastal Life
Every aspect of Casa do Sul by Nuno Nascimento Arquitectos mirrors the rhythm of coastal living. Spaces open easily to the breeze, rooms stay cool under thick walls, and the architecture itself promotes calm. Nothing is superfluous — every line and surface serves a purpose.
The house captures the essence of Aljezur: simplicity, light, and community. It stands as a modern interpretation of traditional Portuguese architecture — timeless, functional, and deeply connected to its place.
