Faro is known to be the gateway to the Algarve region, but few are aware of the port city’s architectural heritage. Faro is an important centre of southern European modernism, with around 500 buildings that were built between 1920 and 1980 in the styles of Art Déco and South Modern. One of these buildings is “The Modernist”, located in the city centre and designed in 1977 by Portuguese architect Joel Santana. With its geometrically patterned tiles integrated into the concrete façade, wide windows and a flat roof, it is a typical example of South Modern architecture. The PAr architecture studio converted the former office building into an apartment building with six flats and transferred it to the present. The modernist style was reinterpreted, while the original spirit of the house was retained.
The studios, ranging in size from 40 to 45 square metres, open onto the pedestrian zone with a balcony or roof terrace and onto an inner courtyard on the opposite side. The red colour of the tiles adorning the façade is echoed by the linoleum flooring and the reddish-brown wood used for furniture, window frames and doors. The mint green of the kitchen unit and golden brass elements complement the colour scheme. Everything from materials to furniture to the details such as door handles and woolen blankets reflects the Mid Century Modern style.
The design and materials are all from Portugal. The furniture, mirrors and lamps designed by the architects were built by local craftsmen and artists, the iconic chairs and textiles are from Portuguese companies steeped in tradition, limestone was sourced from the Algarve and marble from the Alentejo region.
The outdoor facilities were also redesigned or supplemented: the diagonal staircase adds an accent to the green patio framed by white walls. A shared terrace has been created on the rooftop — featuring an outdoor shower and affording views of the marina and the Ria Formosa Natural Park.
What to do
Discovering the city: old town and modernist buildings (with the operator’s guide “The Modernist Architecture Walking Tour”), culinary discoveries (market, restaurants), nature explorations by boat (Ria Formosa Natural Park, one of Portugal’s seven natural wonders), beaches (Ilha Deserta).
Why we like this house
The revival of an architectural gem in the sunny Algarve! The flats celebrate local design and craftsmanship and the style of Mid Century Modern. However, with their minimalist design they have a contemporary flair and are anything but outdated.
This house is great for
Architecture lovers!
Sustainability
All materials and products are sourced from Portugal (mostly from the Algarve) and made by local craftsmen and artists.
E-mobility: 2 e-charging stations in the marina (2-minute walk)
Details
| Region | PT – Portugal, Algarve, Faro |
| Name | The Modernist |
| Scenery | Beach town facing the Marina, Ria Formosa Natural reserve and the ocean. |
| Number of guests | Max. 2 in each of the 6 apartments |
| Completed | 1977, 2021 |
| Design | Joel Santana, PAr (Vânia Fernandes, Susana dos Santos Rodrigues, Joana Carmo Simões), Lisbon |
| Published | md INTERIOR DESIGN ARCHITECTURE (June 2023), National Geographic June 2021 |
| Specials | The Modernist architecture walking tour ! |
| Architecture | Old & new |
| Accomodation | Apartment |
| Criteria | 1-2 (house/apartment), Beach, Dog-friendly, Sea, Urban, Wine, EV-charging station |
| Same Architects | Casa 1923, Casa Modesta |
Availability calendar
The calendar shows the current availability of the accommodation. On days with a white background, the accommodation is still fully available. If an accommodation has more than one rentable unit, days with free capacities are shown with a light grey background. On days with a dark grey background, the accommodation is not available.
2 Comments
Knapp vier Wochen war ich in Faro im The Modernist im Apartment 3A. Zunächst ist der mehr als positive Kontakt zu den Gastgebern hervor zu heben. Ob im Vorfeld bei Fragen, bei Tips zu Ausflügen und guten Lokalen, beim Welcome, in der Organisation zum Check In etc.. Das Apartement mehr als geräumig, mit allem liebevoll und genau den Beschreibungen und Bildern ausgestattet. Die Dachterrasse, der Garten, der eigene Balkon – einfach ein herrliches, nur zu empfehlendes Verweilen. Für Architekturliebhaber noch mal ein Plus an Schönheit. Man ist mittendrin in der Stadt, im mediterranen Leben. Alles fussläufig erreichbar. Nah sind der Bus- und der Bahnhof, die Föhren zu den Inseln. Ich werde definitiv wiederkommen und bin dankbar, dass es diesen schönen Ort gibt.
Wir waren vor 2022 für knapp zwei Wochen im obersten Apartment und denken immer noch gerne zurück an diese Zeit. Die Liebe zum Detail und die Materialopulenz sind selbst für eine Urlaubsarchitektur-Immobilie beeindruckend. Die Räume klingen nach Quadratmetern klein, wirken aber großzügig und sind mit allem bestückt, was man benötigt. Die Balkons und vor allem die Dachterrasse sind aber die eigentlichen Highlights. Jeder Tag, den man hier beenden darf, ist ein gelungener Tag.
Ihre Leidenschaft für lokale Architektur vermitteln die Gastgeber nicht nur über einen liebevoll gestaltete Karte mit baulichen Highlights, sie sprühen auch bei persönlichen Begegnunen vor Begeisterung und Elan. Wir kommen gerne zurück.