location: sandford, tasmania, australia
type: single family villa
stage: concept design/ planning permission
render: rrarch ©
the villa is perched on a sloped hillside with stunning ocean views, just a short distance from the sandbanks. the client envisioned a luxurious one-bedroom retreat, and the design reflects this vision through its bold, cross-shaped layout. a lower horizontal volume, which seamlessly integrates the pool, intersects with an elevated upper volume. at the heart of this intersection lies the main living area: a spacious, open-plan living room with a fully integrated kitchen, offering a harmonious blend of indoor and outdoor living.
location: messines, algarve, portugal
type: single family house
stage: concept design/ building permit/ construction
status: building permit submitted
render: rrarch ©
located in the heart of algarve’s countryside, about 30 km from the seaside in the parish of messines, this home sits in an area known as the “barrocal algarvio,” a region rich in agriculture, limestone extraction, and tourism focused on local gastronomy and crafts.
the plot offers views of a hillside to the east, traditional homes to the north and west, and, to the south, two windmills along a secondary road leading to the entrance. aligning parallel to this road, the house establishes a subtle sense of “urban continuity,” potentially inspiring future development in the area.
the ground floor forms an L-shape, creating a secluded, shaded space facing northwest — ideal for cooling down during hot summer days. above, a mirrored L-shaped upper floor covers the space near the pool, casting shade over the south-facing entrance.
shade elements, like the moucharabieh, form the foundation and poetic anchor of the house’s design, embodying a contemporary approach that revives a functional and cultural element from a nearly forgotten arab heritage. in this tradition, principles of sustainability were naturally prioritized, blending elegance with environmental harmony — a legacy the house aspires to honor and illuminate anew.
location: vale de margem, silves, portugal
type: single family house
stage: concept design
render: rrarch ©
an open courtyard lies at the heart of the house, embracing the natural slope and shielding it from the road. this tranquil U-shaped layout offers peace and seclusion, framing views of the monchique mountain silhouette and the distant rolling hills.
the house is composed of three distinct volumes, each varying in height, function, and atmosphere, woven together into a seemingly simple yet thoughtful structure.
blind facades extend and recede, offering shelter from rain and sun while guiding us gracefully between interior spaces and the layered, intimate exterior. in this play of walls, the house balances openness and enclosure, inviting us to explore both its protected core and the surrounding landscape.
location: maesbury, uk
type: single family house/ other
stage: concept design/ planning permission
render: rrarch ©
the aim of this project is to reconstruct an existing barn, transforming it into a versatile space for residential use or activities such as corporate team-building retreats. the design focuses on creating numerous private rooms, each with its own unique character, alongside separate thematic lounges and living rooms. this large-scale "barnhouse" will be thoughtfully integrated into the heart of the english countryside, offering a harmonious blend of rustic charm and modern functionality.
location: barão de são joão in lagos, algarve, portugal
type: single family house
stage: concept design, building permit
status: in construction stage
render: rrarch ©
*collaboration with tiago antão arquitecto
located in the sought-after holiday destination of lagos, this project involves designing a three-bedroom residence on a vacant plot nestled between two existing homes.
the client’s vision calls for a minimalist design that seamlessly accommodates both vacation living and long-term residence. the house is spread across three levels, each thoughtfully planned for functionality and comfort. the basement includes a garage, technical spaces, and a small wine cellar. the first floor features an open-plan kitchen and living area, along with a flexible office/guest bedroom. on the upper floor, master suites are each equipped with a kitchenette and private terrace, allowing the home to operate as a b&b year-round, while maintaining privacy and flexibility for the owners. this design strikes a harmonious balance between modern minimalism and practical versatility, catering to both leisure and everyday living.
location: lisbon, portugal
type: apartment refurbishment
stage: concept design/ building permit
status: building permit
render: rrarch ©
this refurbishment project transforms a compact two-bedroom apartment into a spacious four-bedroom home by thoughtfully converting the previously unused attic into an additional level.
the new design introduces two bedrooms and a bathroom on the upper floor, optimizing the available space while preserving a sense of comfort and elegance. the reimagined layout enhances functionality and flow, resulting in a modern, stylish apartment that perfectly caters to the needs of a growing family.
location: ollon, vaud, switzerland
type: multi-residential apartments
status: built
* work developed during collaboration at fournier & maccagnan ©, sia /fas, in bex, switzerland
* photography thomas janstcher ©
location: la sarraz, vaud, switzerland
type: single family house/ other
stage: concept design/ planning permission
render: rrarch ©
this project entails the sensitive refurbishment and extension of a 1950s villa from the swiss modernist period, originally designed by renowned architect pierre buhler, who also designed the football stadium in yverdon-les-bains. the restoration meticulously respects the villa's original color palette, using it as a foundational design element to revive the artistic spirit of the period.
set on a sloped residential plot with a generous garden, the villa's upper floors boast panoramic views of the mountains surrounding lac léman. the ground-floor extension harmoniously connects the interior with the landscaped garden, creating a tranquil, private retreat that enhances the villa's connection to its natural surroundings.
location: rolle, switzerland
type: public high school
status: built
* work developed during collaboration at fournier & maccagnan ©, sia /fas, in bex, switzerland
* photography thomas janstcher ©
location: loures, portugal
type: cultural centre
stage: competition
render: rrarch ©
*collaboration with asba, atelier de santa barbara.
“cardus-decumanus”
the new cultural center of loures is structured around two main perpendicular axes, inspired by the cardus and decumanus of ancient cities. this design creates a public thoroughfare within a singular building that embodies the floodplain-city dichotomy of full-empty, light-shadow.
the south axis, or cardus, starts with a wide accessible ramp that invites the city to cross. this new axis intersects with the center's main space—a semi-covered external square at mid-height between rua da república and the internal urban road. this space serves as a crossing portico, external foyer, and urban square, seamlessly connecting the various programs and levels.
location: barrocal, algarve, portugal
type: single family house
stage: concept design research
render: rrarch ©
it's a 3-bedroom family summerhouse in Algarve, Portugal, amidst a landscape rich with olive, fig, almond trees, and native flora.
the house consists of three volumes connected by a classic axis linking two main courtyards: one for arrival and another for leisure and landscape contemplation.
the H shaped plan ensures each room has its own privacy, with a double-height central area housing the dining room, the heart of the home for daily interactions and gatherings.