Fala Atelier’s latest project, titled 'Fireworks in White', was captured by photographer Willem Pab in a photo series, where this daring architectural expression, located in Porto, embodies the studio’s signature minimalist and geometric style.
Peb's photography aims to capture not just the formal qualities of the design but the organic essence of the space as a living ecosystem. His imagery presents the project as still, poetic, and natural, suggesting a world where the architecture exists in harmony with its environment rather than in stark opposition to it.
The interior is almost entirely white, creating a sense of purity and quiet complexity. At its heart, the space is a bold interplay of fearless geometries, with three fluid, curved walls framed by a dotted marble floor below and a wavy, undulating ceiling above. The design's minimalism is enhanced by the strategic use of mirrors, which replace traditional windows, creating a more introspective and intimate environment. The mirrors not only reflect light but also expand the sense of space, blurring the boundaries between what is real and what is illusion.
Throughout the house, doors appear almost "proud," suggesting the possibility of rooms beyond, and elements like curtains, doors, and columns add to the complexity, hinting at hidden uses within the space. These design features, while subtle, play an integral role in completing the spatial narrative. A glass-brick window punctuates the grand entryway, adding a unique touch that transforms this otherwise modest element into a focal point of the design.
Fala Atelier is a Porto-based architecture studio known for its distinctive use of geometric forms and playful, minimalist designs. The studio, founded by Filipe Magalhães, Ana Luisa Soares, and Ahmed Belkhodja, operates at a wide variety of scales, from urban interventions to small private residences. Their approach combines formal precision with a light-hearted, almost whimsical aesthetic. Fala is particularly renowned for its use of digital collage as both a design tool and a form of communication with clients, where these collages often closely resemble the final built work.
