In the heart of Carvoeiro in Lagoa, Portugal—a resort town known for its rugged coastline with a string of villas overlooking the azure Atlantic Sea—stands Sky Base One, a capacious residential building designed by Bespoke Architects. At first glance, this 641 sqm villa resembles a futuristic sanctuary, with a roof plan distinctly reminiscent of a spaceship’s profile. Responding to the client’s desire for a home inspired by cult science fiction cinema, the residential design makes use of angular forms and a minimal aesthetic. A reflective journey, the vacation home not only frames views of the Atlantic but presents an evocative relationship with nature, employing subtle design choices and an introspective spatial layout.

The spaces feel secluded yet serene with the architects’ invocation of Taoist philosophies in the design. The residential interiors, stripped bare with a neutral colour scheme enhance views towards the sea while exuding a feeling of peacefulness and purity. The use of a minimal design aesthetic ensures the villa stands apart, the white creating a stark contrast to the natural landscape and the other villas perched along the cliffs.

Navigating Space: A Journey of Sensorial Discovery

A delicate balance between privacy and openness guides the residential architecture of Sky Base One. Upon entering the property, residents are greeted by an intimate pathway, which winds around a concealed wall to unveil a private garden, establishing an ambience of intrigue and discovery. A narrow corridor leads into an impressive entryway, enhancing the feeling of discovery; a central golden cylinder directs one’s focus to the skylight which casts an ethereal radiance. The glinting central core, which acts as an elevator, brings to mind the interior spaces of spaceships with its futuristic aesthetic, a nod to the client’s desires.

From the lobby, bathed in natural light, residents are led upwards, with the social spaces thoughtfully designed on inclines that mirror the cliff’s slope. The open layout of these gathering spaces creates an expansive sense of spaciousness within the residence. All common living areas open onto views of the sea. As residents move through the corridors, a gentle sea breeze and the distant sound of waves draw them towards the central dome and its panoramic vistas. The living spaces such as bedrooms are offset to ensure privacy while equipping unobstructed sightlines to the blue horizon.

Magnifying the connection with nature, an elevated pool design at the rear reflects light as the structure rises seamlessly from the natural terrain. While creating a sense of calm and bringing the focus on the minutely crafted details of the residence, the interior design feels eerily empty, like a spaceship that has been abandoned. Every detail—from the delicate brass inlays on the lift to the subtle lighting accents—has been meticulously integrated to foster a sense of calm, encouraging occupants to engage with their surroundings on a sensory level.

Geometric Harmony and an Invitation for Contemplation

Drawing on principles of fractal geometry and the golden ratio, Sky Base One’s design is mathematically precise and visually striking. The villa’s form is anchored by a grid system, with lines converging at key points to create a sense of cohesion throughout the structure. Skylights slope from the villa’s edges toward the core, supplementing the spatial geometry while enabling ample natural light to animate the interiors. The use of dark tones in the basement further builds up the visual impact of the upper levels, creating a distinct contrast that grounds the structure yet gives it an almost otherworldly presence.

The villa’s restrained design and thoughtful spatial composition make it stand apart from typical seaside villas, challenging preconceived notions of coastal luxury. The residence fosters introspection through a design that connects seamlessly with its natural surroundings. Expansive glass walls and open layouts blur the line between indoors and outdoors, inviting a quiet engagement with the landscape.

The elevated living spaces not only maximise the views but also allow the villa design to harmonise with its coastal surroundings. The villa’s strength lies in its attentive composition rather than its form, with spaces guiding one towards the natural and the open. As the lights from the villa illuminate its pathways at dusk, it invites residents to experience the rhythm of the design—an orchestrated composition of views, sounds and textures that hopefully lead to an increased awareness of oneself and a feeling of relaxation.

Project Details

Name: Sky Base One
Location: Carvoeiro, Lagoa, Portugal
Typology: Residential Villa
Client: Vision of Sky Base One by Spy Manor
Architect: Bespoke Architects
Design Team: Alexandre Mendes, John Wilson, Elisabete Cardoso, Paulo Matias, Mauro Meireles, Savannah Salgueiro
Collaborators: Artelapa – Engineering and Construction, Teifil - Empresa de Construção Civil
Area: 641 sqm
Year of Completion: 2023