In a privileged location facing the sea, on the west coast of the Portuguese Algarve, the Villa Fortaleza by Vieira de Moura Architects, sits on a steeply sloping plot with a difference in levels essential for the development of the proposal and its connection with the sea and the extraordinary sun exposure to which it is exposed.

The house is developed on three floors and its different areas are configured with respect to its relationship with the sea and orienting the common living areas towards the south and the circulation and passage areas to the north side, solving the different challenges and turning them into design strategies.

Vieira de Moura Architects has created a project with a dual identity through contrast in its different languages. To the north, a minimalist and pure approach is used on the façade, which results in a smaller and more private volume, which differs from the exuberant and complex representation of the opposite façade, to the south, whose volumetry takes on a greater and more social amplitude.

In addition to creating a geometric game that guarantees a conscious dialogue between the house and its surroundings, and above all with the precious maritime landscape, the project is articulated respectfully with the surrounding buildings with a strong dynamism that provides the inhabitant with a series of rich interior and exterior spaces to enjoy the views.

Villa Fortaleza by Vieira de Moura Architects. Photograph by Ivo Tavares Studio

Villa Fortaleza by Vieira de Moura Architects. Photograph by Ivo Tavares Studio.

Project description by Vieira de Moura Architects

Located on the Algarve west coast, this luxurious Villa enjoys a privileged seafront location. The land has a steeply sloping topography, which has contributed to an extraordinary sun exposure. This difference in levels was essential in the development of the proposal. The living areas are developed to the south, while the areas of circulation are concentrated on the north side. 

Villa Fortaleza has three floors, with large terraces and stunning landscaping. The challenge of ensuring that all interior and exterior spaces can take in the magnificent sea views was largely successful.

Villa Fortaleza by Vieira de Moura Architects. Photograph by Ivo Tavares Studio
Villa Fortaleza by Vieira de Moura Architects. Photograph by Ivo Tavares Studio.

Due to its unique location, this project has a dual identity. On the one hand, we have a minimalist and pure language on the north façade, resulting from a smaller volume and the necessary privacy of its spaces. On the other hand, to the south, there is a more exuberant and complex design. In which the volumetry acquires another amplitude resulting from its size. 

Its bi-directional geometry, as well as guaranteeing articulation with the surrounding buildings and better solar orientation, has made it possible to “break up” the volume, giving a strong and light dynamic to this front of considerable scale.

More information

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Architects
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Vieira de Moura Architects. Lead architect.- Hugo Moura.

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Collaborators
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Inspection.- Veritate – Projetos e Fiscalização de Engenharia.
Engineering.- Savec, Lda.
Landscape.- Jardíssimo, Unipessoal Lda.
Light Design.- Protega, Eletrotecnia, Lda.
Acoustic Design.- Ac+Coger, Lda.
Fluids Engineering.- Savec, Lda.
Thermal Engineering.- Ac+Coger, Lda.
Visual identity.- Vieira de Moura Architects.

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Area
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333.28 sqm.

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Dates
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2024.

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Location
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Budens, Vila do Bispo (Algarve), Portugal.

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Manufacturers
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Exterior Ceramic Cladding.- Margres, Nadis. 
Interior Ceramic Cladding.- Margres. 
Carpentry.- Grupo So Soares.

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Photography
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Vieira de Moura Architects is a Portuguese architectural firm founded by Hugo Moura in 2021, with offices located in Loulé and Guimarães.

Its founder, architect Hugo Moura, has followed an upward trajectory reaching leadership positions of multidisciplinary teams, in the development of large-scale buildings, in Portugal, Spain and Brazil. His professional career has allowed him to bring experience in all phases of the project, as well as great attention to detail.

With a deep practical knowledge of energy-efficient buildings of different types, such as residential, hotel, healthcare and sports projects, Vieira de Moura Architects focuses on delivering innovative and sustainable projects.

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Published on: November 6, 2024
Cite: "Identity and strategy. Villa Fortaleza by Vieira de Moura Architects" METALOCUS. Accessed
<https://www.metalocus.es/en/news/identity-and-strategy-villa-fortaleza-vieira-de-moura-architects> ISSN 1139-6415
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