Located in Carvoeiro, Lagoa, Portugal, Sky Base One by Bespoke Architects represents a bold new vision in modern residential design. Spanning 641 m² and completed in 2023, this project is the realization of a client’s desire for a home inspired by science fiction cult films like Star Wars. The outcome is a futuristic villa that redefines the conventional idea of a house, merging architectural innovation with philosophical principles rooted in traditional Chinese Taoism.
A Marriage of Geometry and Nature
The design of Sky Base One begins with a fundamental challenge—maximizing living spaces on a relatively narrow, sea-facing plot. Bespoke Architects approached this by meticulously organizing the interior spaces to ensure expansive views of the southern coastline while preserving the privacy of neighboring properties. The architecture’s guiding framework is based on fractal geometry and the golden ratio, which informed the intricate spatial organization and the villa’s bold, dynamic forms.
Elevated social spaces dominate the design, contrasting with the seclusion of private rooms. This elevation enhances the complexity of the structure while creating a striking relationship between the villa and its surroundings. The juxtaposition of the house’s elevated pool and the land generates a vigorous form that defies traditional architectural expectations.
Science Fiction Inspiration and Taoist Philosophy
Drawing inspiration from science fiction, Sky Base One embodies the tension between weight and lightness, between the tangible and the ethereal. The architects sought to create a home that appears both grounded and transient as if it could either take off into the unknown or remain anchored to its terrestrial plot. A dark-toned basement mimics the black void of space, allowing the upper structure to “float” above, much like celestial bodies in the night sky.
At the core of the house lies a striking cylindrical room, anchored by a skylight that mimics technical hatches—an aesthetic nod to the sci-fi genre. The skylights slope inward, drawing light from the edges to the center, reaching the villa’s highest point and emphasizing the connection between the architecture and the cosmos.
A Journey Through the Space
Visitors approaching Sky Base One are guided along a curved, blind wall, leading them through a secret garden before reaching the villa’s main entrance. This experiential journey through the architecture serves as a metaphor for introspection, where the exterior serves as a protective shell, and the interior reveals a space of quiet revelation.
Upon entering, guests are immediately confronted by the centerpiece of the home—a perforated golden cylinder bathed in natural sunlight, reflecting off gray renderings embedded with tiny, glistening particles. This use of light and texture creates a warm, inviting atmosphere, despite the villa’s futuristic aesthetic.
Form and Function in Harmony
The villa seamlessly blends form and function. Its strong architectural lines lead the visitor through private corridors towards the expansive dome, guiding them to the social spaces with views of the V-shaped valley and the infinity pool. This transition mirrors the progression of the house itself—earthbound yet always reaching towards the sky.
The villa’s social spaces, meticulously designed to capture both the sea breeze and the light, feature delicate details in furniture and kitchen units, reinforcing the theme of luxurious, futuristic minimalism. The infinity pool reflects the sky, creating a serene environment that blurs the boundaries between earth and cosmos, an architectural embodiment of Taoist harmony.
Lighting and the Night Experience
Sky Base One transforms at night into a glowing beacon. Lights embedded in the corridors and around the pool create a dramatic effect, while the house’s time-warp ceiling lights evoke a sense of sci-fi wonder. Brass details on the lift and pool contribute to the home’s refined aesthetic, while its floodlights highlight its sculptural form against the night sky.
This project goes beyond serving as a mere residence; it enhances the experiences of those within it, fostering both social interaction and moments of introspection. Whether it’s hosting a party or enjoying the peaceful solitude of the secret garden, the villa adapts to its inhabitants, perfectly embodying the balance of life that Taoist philosophy champions.
Technical Details and Credits
Sky Base One is a collaborative effort involving various experts across disciplines. The structure was realized by Artelapa – Engineering and Construction Lda, with Teifil – Empresa de Construção Civil Lda as the main contractor. Bespoke Architects, led by Alexandre Mendes, John Wilson, Elisabete Cardoso, Paulo Matias, Mauro Meireles, and Savannah Salgueiro, spearheaded the design.
Key materials include interior and exterior finishes by STO Ibérica, window frames by Jofebar S.A. (Panoramah ah!38), ironwork by Mendes & Faustino Lda, and glass by Sultêmpera Lda. The villa’s smart home features are powered by Novitae Soluções Tecnológicas Lda, and the project is landscaped by Jardim Vista S.A.
A New Standard in Residential Architecture
Sky Base One represents the culmination of visionary architecture, philosophical inquiry, and cutting-edge technology. By drawing on fractal geometry, Taoist philosophy, and science fiction aesthetics, Bespoke Architects have created a space that is not only visually striking but also spiritually resonant—a house that invites both introspection and outward exploration.
This extraordinary project redefines what a home can be, setting a new standard for residential architecture that pushes the boundaries of form, function, and experience.
All images © by Bespoke Architects. For more, feel free to browse WE AND THE COLOR’s Architecture and Interior Design sections.
