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 by NUDO | Hugo Carvalho Araújo

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

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

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collage

conceptual drawing

floorplan

section A-AA

section B-BB

model - south

model - east

model - north

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

photographer: NUDO | Hugo Carvalho Araújo | @hugocarvalhoaraujo

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom