'Unique piece of architecture': Brutalist house on coast of Portugal for sale

There are those whose thrill lies in collecting artworks to adorn the walls of their homes. But sometimes, the walls themselves are the art, as they are in Frame House, an architectural masterpiece in the south of Portugal that’s on the market.

Designed by Portuguese architect Pedro Domingos, the recently completed home is an exercise in contemporary brutalism and is priced at €3.6 million ($5.936 million).

The bold design makes use of expansive, exposed concrete walls, while seamless micro-cement flooring blurs the lines between indoors and out.

The intricate patterns of the concrete walls also flow across the internal and external walls, and the seamless look is only punctuated by the black steel frames on the windows and doors.

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While the bold design is undoubtedly an architectural photographer’s dream, listing agent Michael Ellis of Fantastic Frank Lisbon says the home is highly liveable and offers an unrivalled opportunity for those who appreciate bold architecture and immersive living.

“Although it is a brutalist home, it feels warm and inviting,” he says. “The atmosphere is cosy, and the light shifts throughout the day, transforming the space.

“The house itself evolves with the changing daylight, creating a dynamic and highly atmospheric experience.

“Light enters the house in various shapes, forms, shades and reflections, giving it a truly special feel.

“The rooms have distinct dimensions, making it a cinematic experience to be there.”

Step inside, and the interplay of raw materials and refined design takes centre stage, flowing over two levels.

The four-bedroom, four-bathroom layout lends itself to comfortably housing a family or comfortably hosting a constant string of guests – and who wouldn’t want to stay here?

On the ground floor, a private main-bedroom suite is positioned discreetly and privately down one end. It opens onto a secluded balcony with uninterrupted views.

Ascending a U-shaped staircase, the upper level offers three additional bedrooms, each with an en-suite bathroom and private outdoor space. At the far end of the corridor is a hidden study nook.

As for the living spaces, they’re as grand as you might expect.

The ground floor is anchored by a dramatic open-plan kitchen set beneath an angular skylight that casts sculptural light across the vast island bench.

White open shelving lines the space, while off to the side, a storage room offers built-in shelving and hides a powder room.

Alongside the kitchen, the commanding living and dining room boasts a dramatic sculptural fireplace, while ample windows allow light to enter in an ever-changing play of forms, reflections and shadows.

At one end, full-height steel-framed glass doors pivot to dissolve the boundary between the interior and exterior.

Step outside, and you’ll find the home’s true highlight: a spectacular infinity pool crafted from white marble and stretching towards the horizon.

Alongside it is an outdoor dining area with ample space for outdoor entertaining or relaxing with a truly dreamy backdrop.

As the home’s name suggests, Ellis says the design is as much about framing nature as it is about inhabiting space.

“Everywhere you look outside, there is either nature or the sky,” he says. “Each window frames a breathtaking landscape, like a perfectly composed photograph.”

The home is located in Faro on Portugal’s southernmost coast. It’s a region renowned for the finer things, like world-class golf courses and elevated dining, plus a variety of outdoor activities, including island hopping, scenic cycle trails, and walking tracks along jaw-dropping coastlines.

“Life here is immersed in nature, with amazing weather all year round,” Ellis says. “The house is located just 20 minutes from the stunning beaches of Algarve, including Quinta do Lago, and is also close to the mountains and Ria Formosa Natural Park.”

He says it would suit a buyer looking for a design-led retreat in the heart of nature – “an unconventional soul with a passion for architecture and aesthetics, seeking a space that is both secluded from the world and incredibly beautiful and comfortable”.

“This is a place that must be visited and experienced firsthand to truly appreciate its cinematic quality, spaciousness, and deep connection to nature,” Ellis adds.

“It is a truly unique piece of architecture.”

While you’re there

Portugal’s southernmost region is the Algarve, an area synonymous with sun-drenched coastlines punctuated by dramatic rock formations, sandy coves and a vibrant culture.

Savour views and flavours

Head to Praia da Marinha for its iconic limestone cliffs, or take a dip in the crystal-clear waters of the quieter Praia do Carvalho. Hungry? Visit the Loule Saturday market to shop for local seafood, artisanal cheeses and pastries.

What the agent says

“Algarve is a fantastic region to explore, offering everything from historic cities like Lagos and Tavira to unspoiled nature and protected areas. There are vibrant places to go out, as well as tranquil spots to find peace and solitude,” Michael Ellis of Fantastic Frank Lisbon says.