Located in Lagos, Portgula, Casa das Freiras or the ‘House of the Nuns’ by Mario Martins Atelier is a patio house concept built on the site of a former vehicle workshop. It is located behind a massive white rendered wall, measuring more than 1m in thickness. The ancient tranquility coming from this division between house and street stems from the region’s Moorish history.
Behind the massive wall, a light house with smooth finished concrete and impressively expansive glass walls is revealed.
A central patio with a swimming pool is the heart and key organizing principle of the house, serving as a point of entry, source of natural light and social space. Around this, 4 bedrooms as well as large lounge and kitchen are arranged with direct interior to exterior connections. There are also small, discrete patios inserted into the plan.
The material palette is overall sober, with grey finishes, stone pavement and plaster coated ceilings.
