Casa das Freiras is a striking residential project by Mário Martins Atelier de Arquitectura, developed in collaboration with Novacolor distributor TDRV. Located in the historic center of Lagos, Portugal, this project breathes new life into a former car repair shop—reimagining it into a refined residence that harmonizes past and present.

Encircled by an imposing high wall, rich with stories of centuries past, the home unfolds around a serene courtyard—a modern reinterpretation of Moorish domestic architecture. The layout includes four bedrooms that open onto the inner garden, along with a spacious living room and kitchen, private patios, and a lush poolside lounge. The design centers on spatial clarity and emotional connection, key principles in Mario Martins’ architectural philosophy.

At the heart of this transformation is Archi+ Concrete, Novacolor’s mineral lime- and cement-based plaster. Applied to all exterior surfaces, the finish provides a clean, matte texture that evokes raw elegance. It enhances the architectural sobriety of the structure and allows the natural materials—stone flooring and gypsum ceilings—to take on new depth and cohesion.

This project embodies more than a stylistic approach; it represents a meditation on light, silence, and permanence. Casa das Freiras becomes an oasis where simplicity is revered and where the tactile power of materials fosters a living connection between tradition, nature, and modern living.