Project: Casa Largo dos Martires
Architecture: Studio Arte
Team: João Carriço, Arnold Aarssen
Location: Algarve, Portugal
Photography: First Stop Photography
Casa Largo dos Mártires, designed by Studio Arte, is a complete refurbishment of a traditional family house in Portugal’s Algarve region. The project embraces the area’s sunny, Mediterranean climate, transforming the residence into a luminous, welcoming retreat that celebrates both modern living and timeless southern charm.
Embracing the Algarve Light
From the outside, Casa Largo dos Mártires immediately reveals its connection to place. The whitewashed façade and Spanish-tiled roof reflect the vernacular architecture of the Algarve, while large windows open the home to abundant sunlight. The simplicity of its form—clean lines, subtle proportions, and warm materials—anchors it within its landscape. At the same time, the overall composition feels refreshingly contemporary, blending local tradition with Studio Arte’s distinctive modern aesthetic.
A Bright and Inviting Interior
Inside, the house maintains the same purity of tone and light that defines its exterior. White surfaces dominate, creating a serene canvas that amplifies natural light and enhances the sense of openness. Yet, the design avoids sterility through a careful layering of textures and accent colors.
Color is introduced in both subtle and unexpected ways—through furniture pieces, art, and textiles that punctuate the monochrome setting. The palette ranges from soft neutrals to vibrant hues, animating each space while maintaining harmony across the home. This balance of restraint and expression is one of Studio Arte’s hallmarks.
Architecture that Connects
The home’s structural honesty is part of its charm. Exposed white-painted beams highlight the geometry of the ceilings, while stone flooring grounds the airy spaces. Generous full-height windows frame picturesque views of the surrounding countryside, seamlessly connecting interior life with the natural beauty beyond. These glazed openings also ensure cross-ventilation, enhancing comfort throughout the day.
The fluid layout supports a relaxed lifestyle—spaces flow naturally from one to another, with transitions marked not by walls but by light, texture, and function. Each room feels connected to the outdoors, whether through direct access to tiled patios or visual continuity with the landscape.
A Dialogue Between Past and Present
Casa Largo dos Mártires retains many of its traditional elements—metal stair railings, terracotta roof tiles, and handcrafted details—yet integrates them into a contemporary framework. The renovation honors the home’s origins while reinterpreting them through a modern lens. Studio Arte’s approach ensures that every addition feels authentic rather than imposed.
This interplay between old and new gives the house its unique character. It feels both rooted in history and entirely at ease with modern life. Natural materials, thoughtful craftsmanship, and timeless design choices ensure durability and emotional warmth in equal measure.
Contemporary Comfort, Timeless Soul
Ultimately, Casa Largo dos Mártires stands as a perfect example of how sensitive refurbishment can bring heritage architecture into the present without losing its soul. The project captures the essence of Algarve living—bright, breezy, and deeply connected to its surroundings—while offering all the comfort and functionality of a modern home.
Through simplicity, light, and a refined sense of proportion, Studio Arte has created not just a renovation, but a revitalized way of life. Casa Largo dos Mártires embodies the art of living beautifully between tradition and modernity.
