Machado Igreja: Elevating the architectural experience

By Malin Norman

Portuguese architecture firm Machado Igreja / Arquitectos was founded with the ambition to design and build spaces with a strong emphasis on atmosphere, detail and construction quality.

Diving into Machado Igreja / Arquitectos’ approach to architectural projects, we find a process that begins with a deep understanding of the client’s request and the specific circumstances of each site. From this foundation, Machado Igreja extracts the DNA of each project.

“Our main goal is to create good shelters and spaces that elevate the experience of reality,” says Tiago Machado Igreja, managing partner and architect. “Regarding the recognition of our work, I believe that our commitment to creative, technical and monitoring processes is perhaps what makes certain results stand out.”

For House in Yellow 34, the architects set out to unite two separate commercial and office units into a single residential space. The house was designed to feel subtle and natural, as if the space had always been a home. The plan established a fluid relationship between the new and existing elements, responding directly to daylight, the structural grid, and outdoor views.

The Lisbon House 19. Image: © Ricardo Oliveira Alves

In contrast, for Fontana DQ1 Apartment, the intervention marked a turning point in the unit’s narrative through what the architect calls “a sharp contemporary approach.” A series of new partitions and bespoke storage volumes articulate the layout, engaging with the existing envelope. “The project sets out to address the irregular geometry of the apartment while promoting an urban refuge in the heart of the city.”

In a different key, The Lisbon House 19 is a project that sought to rearticulate the functional structure towards a forgotten and scenic backyard. The result is a soothing space where the house reclaims sunlight and the memory of an old Lisbon.

Machado Igreja has been working across apartment buildings, renovations, hospitality projects, and custom houses. Growing client demand for technical advisory has prompted a forward-thinking response with the launch of an independent spin-off. The new Hoculo.com delivers tailored technical assistance for those looking for property in Portugal.

“At a time when a large number of architects are available, finding ways to provide value, to make it tangible and desired by society becomes vital,” adds the architect. “While caring for the unbuilt, we must assume our position as specialists in the built environment, with impact on social, economic and human well-being.”