Architect Álvaro Siza Viera creates an incredibly minimalist chapel in the Algarve region in Portugal. The aesthetically simple structure is part of the Monte da Charneca complex, which is "a new off-grid holiday retreat." The countryside minimalist chapel is dubbed Capela do Monte and is planned to be fully self-sufficient. That is, the structure operates without electricity, heat or running water.
To achieve this sustainability in resource use, architect Álvaro Siza Viera taps into a strategic use of materials. For instance, the walls of the Monte de Charneca are made with perforated bricks that "are coated both internally and externally in a limestone render." This allows for the minimalist chapel to effectively cool and heat itself.
Photo Credits: Joao Morgado
What's Driving This Trend
- Minimalist Architecture
- The trend for minimalist architecture is growing as businesses see benefits in cost reduction and environmental sustainability.
- Off-grid Buildings
- The trend for off-grid buildings is growing as people become more environmentally conscious, providing opportunities for innovations in self-sufficient structures and sustainable energy sources.
- Strategic Material Use
- The trend for strategic material use in construction is growing, promoting cost and energy efficiency, and providing opportunities for future innovations.
Who This Affects Most
- Architecture
- The architecture industry can tap into the growing trend for minimalist and off-grid buildings by developing strategies for sustainable energy, and strategies for strategic material use.
- Construction
- The construction industry can tap into these growing trends by creating innovative means of responsible construction that is easy to maintain and use in the long run.
- Green Energy
- The green energy industry can benefit from the growing trend for off-grid self-sufficient buildings by developing new and innovative renewable energy sources for self-sustaining buildings.
