The AIP Azóia villa by João Tiago Aguiar Arquitectos is perched on a steep cliff above the coastal cliffs of Azóia, Portugal, completed in 2025. The design seeks an architecture that fades into the site, using a reflective glass central volume to mirror vegetation and sky, rendering the house nearly invisible from certain viewpoints. Handmade two- and three-dimensional tiles in ocean-hued tones line lower façades, visually linking the structure to its environment while echoing the ocean’s movement.

Inside, the layout was rethought to enhance light, function, and vistas. A previously isolated kitchen now flows seamlessly into shared social areas, and three compact bedrooms were replaced by two spacious suites opening to the garden. Interior finishes include Azul Macaúbas stone and bespoke woodwork, while the pool and tile motifs extend the building’s blend with the terrain. The result is a serene, sustainable, cliffside home that prioritizes place over presence. Total build area is approximately 460 m², offering a quietly refined architectural statement.

Image Credit: Francisco Nogueira