sculptural chimney pierces L-shaped house by martins architecture office in portugal

a diagonal axis structures the floor plan, folding the L-shape into a spatial strategy. The post sculptural chimney pierces L-shaped house by martins architecture office in portugal appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

May 25, 2025 - 22:00
sculptural chimney pierces L-shaped house by martins architecture office in portugal

Martins Architecture Office crafts L-shaped house in Guimarães

 

Martins Architecture Office’s residential project in Guimarães, Portugal, adopts an L-shaped configuration, determined by both spatial logic and functional requirements. The layout responds to site conditions by enclosing two key frontages, the street-facing and north-facing sides, while orienting the primary living areas toward the south and west.

 

The plan is organized along a diagonal axis formed by the folding of the L-shape. This axis establishes a spatial transition between the private zones, including the bedrooms, and the social areas such as the living room and kitchen. The main entrance and technical spaces are located at this intersection, serving as a pivot within the overall layout. The design of this hinge point introduces a distinct spatial identity, guided by the diagonal that defines the architectural strategy.


all images courtesy of Martins Architecture Office

 

 

sloping roof extends over residential unit’s L-shaped layout

 

Martins Architecture Office’s designers intentionally displace a structural column from the central axis to generate a geometric interaction with the ceiling. The roof is pitched at the maximum allowed slope of 35%, resulting in varied interior ceiling heights that contribute to spatial differentiation within the house.

 

A central chimney, which also functions as a structural element, anchors the patio composition. Its proportions were calculated to support the structure while allowing for an open connection between the living area and the swimming pool, eliminating the need for repetitive column placement along that interface.


the chimney is dimensioned to support the roof without additional columns


two facades are enclosed to screen the street and north, opening the home to sunlit directions

l-shape-house-martins-architecture-office-portugal-designboom-1800-2

the primary living areas face south and west to optimize natural light and views


the central chimney acts as both fireplace and structural column


roof slopes at a maximum of 35% create varied internal volumes


material selection reinforces the geometric clarity of the design


layout establishes an open connection between the living area and the swimming pool

 

 

project info:

 

name: L shape house
architect: Martins Architecture Office | @martinsarchitectureoffice

design team: Eva Martins, Joana Moreira, José Martins, Miguel Pereira

area: 240 sqm

location: Guimarães, Portugal

 

 

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

 

edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom

The post sculptural chimney pierces L-shaped house by martins architecture office in portugal appeared first on designboom | architecture & design magazine.

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