Lux Mare by Mário Martins Atelier

_project: Lux Mare
_architecture: Mário Martins Atelier
_location: Lagos, Portugal

The profound connection between architectural design and the natural landscape is explored and reimagined in numerous ways, reflecting how a dialogue between built forms and their surroundings can evoke a deeper appreciation of both realms. In Portugal, a country with a rich maritime history and an extensive coastline, this dialogue often manifests through structures that engage with the ocean, creating spaces that not only respond to but also enhance the natural beauty of their locales. The project Lux Mare, designed by the architect Mario Martins, represents this symbiotic relationship between architecture and the Atlantic Ocean.

Lux Mare, a name that translates to 'Light of the Sea', is a residential project that seamlessly blends the natural and built environments. The dweller of Lux Mare encapsulates the essence of living in this architectural marvel as a "journey of fascination in experiencing the quality of Portuguese architecture." The distinct blend of Portuguese architectural expressions, along with a Nordic touch evident in the wooden floors, terraces, and other wooden elements, is harmonized with modern furniture and quality interior details to evoke a "calming feel of tranquility." The design's resonance is further amplified by the "unmatched views" that contribute to the calming and superior quality ambiance of the residence.

Central to Lux Mare's design ethos is its captivating interaction with the ocean, established through its cliff-edge location. The dweller likens sitting on the terraces or roof terraces to being on the bridge of a ship, with the infinity pool blurring the boundaries between the land and the sea. This distinct relationship with the ocean, as described by the dweller, enhances the "impressions of peace and the sense of being part of nature." The closeness to the sea, witnessed in daily living, transforms Lux Mare into a sanctuary, inviting relaxation and enjoyment amidst a setting where architecture and nature commune in a poetic narrative.

_article written by Daniela Moreira da Silva
_film by Building Pictures
_curatorship by Architecture Hunter
_cover and image scroll by Fernando Guerra

_drawings by Mário Martins Atelier

1. Lux Plans

2. Lux Sections

3. Lux Elevations

4. Mare Plans

5. Mare Sections

6. Mare Elevations

7. Axonometric