# Contemporary Cliffside Abodes This Modern Hillside Villa is Stunningly Minimalist By Farida Helmy | Published 2014-06-29 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/modern-hillside-villa References: [knstrct](http://www.knstrct.com/architecture-blog/2013/05/08/villa-escarpa-by-mario-martins-atelier) & [mariomartins](http://www.mariomartins.com) Inspired by the Bauhaus movement, this modern hillside villa is a work of art. Designed by architect Mário Martins of design firm [Mário Martins Atelier](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sparking-change), this gem of a space boasts the best design lines in the contemporary architectural field. Located on Algrave's rolling landscape in Portugal, '[Villa Escarpa](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/villa-minimale)' takes the form of a retro rectangular structure to pay homage to the Bauhaus philosophy -- which is based on the notion that form should follow function. Both the architect and clients wanted the space to be bold yet clean with straight lines and a vast amount of simple uncluttered spaces. The modern hillside villa overlooks relaxing waves crashing into picturesque cliffs and a quaint little village. Surrounded by olive, fig and almond trees -- which were planted to preserve the [National Ecological Reserve](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gat-umbrella) which the home is built on -- 'Villa Escarpa' is the perfect minimalist home. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.5/10 - Popularity: 96% | Activity: 60% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) > [Home](https://www.trendhunter.com/home) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Bauhaus-inspired Architecture:** Architects and designers can explore the potential of the Bauhaus philosophy to create bold yet clean structures with straight lines and uncluttered spaces. - **Minimalist Living:** The demand for living spaces that offer simplicity and uncluttered aesthetics without compromising function signals opportunities for innovative minimalist designs. - **Integrating Nature in Architecture:** Designers and architects can take inspiration from the Villa Escarpa's use of natural elements and build spaces that harmonize with the environment. ### Who This Affects Most - **Architecture:** Architects can leverage the growing demand for contemporary, bold, and minimalist-inspired home designs to cultivate a competitive edge in the industry. - **Real Estate Development:** Developers can incorporate sustainable and eco-conscious elements in modern homes to appeal to environmentally-aware homebuyers, taking inspiration from the Villa Escarpa. - **Interior Design:** Interior designers can explore minimalist and functional design schemes in living spaces, complemented by natural elements and straight design lines, to keep pace with changing consumer preferences. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Serene Heartwarming Villa Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/villa-minimale.md) - [Footbridge-Inspired Hillside Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/villa-sidonius.md) - [Organic Coastal Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diachok-architects.md) - [Minimal Ocean-Overlooking Villas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/achiot-villas.md) - [Layered Hillside Villas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-villa-bo.md) - [Panoramic Terraced Villas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/villa-95.md) - [Coastal Terraced Villas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/villa-bo.md) - [Off-Grid Oceanside Homes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/campos-studio.md) - [Modernized 1960s Villas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/castelli-romani.md)