Idyllic Casa Libre Perches on a Hillside in Lagos, Portugal

Mário Martins Atelier’s Casa Libre is a contemporary residence perched on a sunlit hillside overlooking the bay of Lagos, Portugal. Designed around a cozy central patio, the home integrates architectural transparency, natural light, and a sense of freedom – a concept from which it derives its name, Libre. The owners worked closely with the design team to create a home full of dichotomies — one that juxtaposes intimate and snug corners with expansive views that embrace the outdoors.

A Dual Living Experience

The house presents two ways of living: an inward-facing experience centered around the private patio and an outward-facing openness toward the south, where glazing frames views of the line where the sea and sky merge. The contrast between the solid opacity of exposed concrete and the transparency of the glass heightens this duality, continuing through to the interior. An accessible extension of the landscape, the roof connects to a garden intended to be simple and natural.

Enveloped by Nature

Rather than imposing on the site, the single-story structure yields the greenery as a living element, allowing nature to envelop and weave through the residence. This also encourages an outdoor experience that transcends the building's limits. Mário Martins Atelier shelters and shades the wooden decking with a lightweight, exposed concrete canopy, balancing elegantly with the monolithic black swimming pool that stretches across the house. Water cascades over its edges, reinforcing the interplay of built and natural elements.

Thoughtful Design and Sustainability

Sustainability is integral to Casa Libre, as Mário Martins Atelier’s design philosophy emphasizes environmental responsibility. The house incorporates natural and recyclable local materials in a contemporary yet regionally inspired style, alongside passive thermal control and shading solutions suited to the Mediterranean climate. Solar and photovoltaic panels, combined with heat pumps, ensure energy efficiency while maintaining minimal visual impact. A rainwater drainage system facilitates storage and reuse, while the surrounding landscape prioritizes indigenous vegetation and drought-resistant plants.

Project Information

• Name: Casa Libre
• Architect: Mário Martins Atelier
• Location: Lagos, Portugal