The Wave Apartment is located on the beachfront of Povoa de Varzim in Portugal, on the eighth floor of a typical 70s building, and it features fantastic views. However, the excessive compartmentalisation of the apartment did not take advantage of the sea views of the popular resort town. Therefore the project’s main challenge was the reorganisation and prioritisation of the spaces. 

Defining space 

The first step of the refurbishment was to define and group the spaces into an arrival area, social area and private area. Essential technical and structural elements within the apartment, such as pillars and beams, proved challenging and ultimately affected the design. 

The ovoid ceiling with indirect lighting counterbalances the lack of natural light in the darker interior of the apartment.

Creating flow 

In response to the structural restrictions, the designers created an organic “wave” wall. This structural element is fundamental to the reorganisation of the space. It takes visitors from the social area to the private area in a fluid and intuitive way. 

The furniture was also used structurally, separating the service areas from the social areas. A key feature is the large built-in circular mirror that works like a classic porthole window. This “window” reflects the ocean and its horizon, transporting the exterior views to the interior of the apartment, namely the dining area. 

A large circular mirror reflects the view, bringing the exterior views to the interior of the apartment.

Colour and materiality 

All the furniture were designed using the same curved concept, transmitting both formal and chromatic coherence, with the ocean-blue colour conveying tranquillity. A micro-cement floor was used throughout the apartment, for a cohesive flow reflecting the sand of the beach below. 

Bringing light 

In the atrium leading to the rooms, there is no natural lighting. A decision was made to remove the ovoid ceiling and place indirect lighting there, creating a pleasant and natural environment that counterbalances the lack of natural light. 

Project details: 

Project name: Wave Apartment. 

Location: Povoa de Varzim, Portugal. 

Architectural practice: arQB arquitectura. 

Main architects: Ricardo Ribeiro, Hugo Andrade. 

Year of conclusion: 2023. 

Total area: 175m². 

Interior design: arQB arquitectura. 

Architectural photographer: Ivo Tavares Studio. 

Full acknowledgement and thanks go to:

Ivo Tavares Studio for the information in this article.