Casa Primeira

The story of Casa Primeira begins with Ana, a former finance professional, and Pedro, an architect and co-founder of Anarchlab. Together, they created ao sul, a project born from a desire to bring southern homes back to life while preserving their soul and their light.

Their vision is to create homes meant to be lived in, not consumed, places that breathe salt air, slowness, and simplicity. Casa Primeira, their first architectural creation, perfectly captures this spirit. The house has already been nominated for the ArchDaily Building of the Year 2025 Awards.

While the façade catches the eye, the interior captures the soul. The soft palette and terracotta tones echo the hills of the South. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered: a mezzanine bedroom for two, a sofa bed for friends, a fully equipped kitchen that invites you to cook or head to the local market, and a dining area that adapts to your mood and the weather, whether you choose the table, the counter, or the outdoor bench.

As Pedro says, “Much like the region’s beaches, you pick your spot according to the wind and your mood.” And if the breeze calls for a nap, the house is perfectly suited for that too.

All around, everything invites a gentle kind of adventure. On foot, by bike, or with a surfboard under your arm, the west coast of the Algarve reveals its wild beaches — Cordoama, Zavial, Beliche — offering a wave and a view for every soul.

Fresh-air lovers can follow the Fishermen’s Trail, a coastal path that winds along the cliffs. Those in search of silence can meditate by the Cape Saint Vincent lighthouse, where the sun sinks into the Atlantic, ideally with a cold beer from the fridge courtesy of the house.

Food enthusiasts will enjoy grilled fish at Pisco, Adega dos Arcos, or Laundry Lounge, or make a stop at Vila do Bispo’s market to cook at home. And if the mood strikes, take the binoculars: the region is a paradise for birdwatchers, especially in October when migratory birds pass through.