Frame Houseby Pedro Domingos Arquitectos
Photographer
Francisco Nogueira
Frame House is a contemporary residence nestled in Faro, Portugal, designed by Pedro Domingos Arquitectos. Set within the arid Barrocal terrain of the Algarve, the home rises like a concrete relic—its raw, unpolished surfaces resonating with the rugged character of the environment. Despite its ancient appearance, this is not a rediscovered ruin but a modern interpretation that challenges our perception of era and context. From the outside, the structure appears as a sequence of voids—deliberate absences that both conceal the private interiors and frame the surrounding Mediterranean scenery with precision.
The dynamic between solidity and void lies at the heart of this unique architectural concept. At its core, the residence is a minimalist parallelepiped, anchored by a robust southern wall that serves both as a barrier and a backdrop—shielding the interior while framing selective, powerful views of Faro and the distant sea. Far from being a passive element, this wall takes on a leading role in the design, not just enclosing space but actively influencing how it is perceived and experienced.
The spatial journey through the house unfolds with deliberate rhythm, moving from east to west: bedroom, entry courtyard, kitchen, living area, solarium, and finally, the swimming pool—a reflective chamber of water that bridges architecture and environment. This linear sequence echoes the enfilade layouts of Baroque architecture, reinterpreted here through a modern lens to suit the rhythms of contemporary living.
Centrally positioned within this sequence is the kitchen, crowned by a suspended “diamond” skylight—an engineering feat that elevates this functional space into the symbolic heart of the home. In this setting, light is treated as a tangible element, shaped with the same intention and precision as the concrete that defines the structure. Elsewhere in the residence, additional patios and skylights extend this sculptural play of illumination, sustaining a rhythmic exchange between mass and levity, shadow and brightness.
The material palette underscores the project’s conceptual clarity: raw concrete prevails, conveying a timeless quality that feels both modern and archaic. In contrast, steel details—found in windows, doors, and cabinetry—offer sharp, refined accents that introduce a sense of technical precision. Meanwhile, the water features contribute a different sensory layer through the use of large slabs of white marble. This cool, smooth surface contrasts the tactile coarseness of the concrete, offering a moment of visual and physical respite.
