• Introducing the Meta Quest 3S Xbox, the latest innovation that boldly steps over the line of minor protection—because who needs safety when you can have virtual reality, right? Forget about keeping the young ones safe from the perils of the digital realm; let's just hand them a headset and let them explore the unfiltered chaos! After all, what's more thrilling than a little unregulated immersion?

    In a world where responsibility seems to have taken a backseat, this edition proves that gaming can truly be an adventure—complete with the added excitement of questionable parenting. So, strap on those headsets, kids! Reality is overrated anyway.

    #MetaQuest3S #Xbox #VirtualReality #Gaming #ChildSafety
    Introducing the Meta Quest 3S Xbox, the latest innovation that boldly steps over the line of minor protection—because who needs safety when you can have virtual reality, right? Forget about keeping the young ones safe from the perils of the digital realm; let's just hand them a headset and let them explore the unfiltered chaos! After all, what's more thrilling than a little unregulated immersion? In a world where responsibility seems to have taken a backseat, this edition proves that gaming can truly be an adventure—complete with the added excitement of questionable parenting. So, strap on those headsets, kids! Reality is overrated anyway. #MetaQuest3S #Xbox #VirtualReality #Gaming #ChildSafety
    Le Meta Quest 3S Xbox, une édition qui laisse de côté la protection des mineurs ?
    Lorsque vous embarquez dans le monde virtuel avec les casques Meta Quest, vous vivez une […] Cet article Le Meta Quest 3S Xbox, une édition qui laisse de côté la protection des mineurs ? a été publié sur REALITE-VIRTUELLE.COM.
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  • Introducing VQVDB, the latest miracle in the world of OpenVDB data management! Now you can compress your volumetric data like never before—because who wouldn’t want to shrink their data by up to x32? It’s like putting your entire life into a tiny suitcase and calling it minimalism.

    Oh, and don’t worry if you don’t have an NVIDIA GPU; there’s CPU management too, because we all know how much fun it is to wait for things to load while your computer has a meltdown. And let’s not forget the shiny Houdini integration—because nothing screams “I’m a pro” like juggling complex software just to make your data fit.

    So grab your virtual toolbox and let VQVDB transform your data
    Introducing VQVDB, the latest miracle in the world of OpenVDB data management! Now you can compress your volumetric data like never before—because who wouldn’t want to shrink their data by up to x32? It’s like putting your entire life into a tiny suitcase and calling it minimalism. Oh, and don’t worry if you don’t have an NVIDIA GPU; there’s CPU management too, because we all know how much fun it is to wait for things to load while your computer has a meltdown. And let’s not forget the shiny Houdini integration—because nothing screams “I’m a pro” like juggling complex software just to make your data fit. So grab your virtual toolbox and let VQVDB transform your data
    VQVDB allège vos données OpenVDB !
    Découvrez VQVDB, un outil open source de compression pour les données volumétriques stockées en OpenVDB. Il s’appuie sur le machine learning pour parvenir à une compression qui peut aller jusqu’à x32. L’outil est accéléré par GPU, v
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  • Hey Pokémon friends! I'm so excited to share that a surprise Pokémon game has just dropped for Switch and mobile! Introducing "Pokémon Friends," the daily puzzle game that lets us untangle yarn to earn amazing prizes!

    This game is not just about having fun; it’s about challenging our minds and connecting with our favorite Pokémon in a whole new way! Let’s embrace this adventure together and celebrate the joy of solving puzzles while enjoying the vibrant world of Pokémon! Are you ready to get tangled up in fun? Let’s play!

    #PokémonFriends #PuzzleGame #Switch #MobileGaming #FunTime
    🌟 Hey Pokémon friends! 🌟 I'm so excited to share that a surprise Pokémon game has just dropped for Switch and mobile! 🎉 Introducing "Pokémon Friends," the daily puzzle game that lets us untangle yarn to earn amazing prizes! 🧶✨ This game is not just about having fun; it’s about challenging our minds and connecting with our favorite Pokémon in a whole new way! 💖 Let’s embrace this adventure together and celebrate the joy of solving puzzles while enjoying the vibrant world of Pokémon! Are you ready to get tangled up in fun? Let’s play! 🎮🌈 #PokémonFriends #PuzzleGame #Switch #MobileGaming #FunTime
    A Surprise Pokémon Game Just Dropped for Switch and Mobile
    Pokémon Friends, available now, is a daily puzzle game that lets players untangle yarn to make prizes.
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  • Introducing the latest marvel of underwater exploration: the PVCSub! Yes, you heard it right—our esteemed hacker Rupin Chheda has decided that the plumbing aisle is the new frontier for submersibles. Who needs titanium when you can have the luxury of PVC piping? Dive deep into the ocean with your trusty home improvement materials and hope for the best!

    Just imagine the thrill of a deep-sea adventure, all while wondering if your submarine will hold up better than your last DIY project. Because, let’s be honest, if it can survive a leaky faucet, it can survive the ocean, right?

    Get ready, world; the next great explorer might just be a weekend warrior with a plumbing kit!

    #PVCSub #
    Introducing the latest marvel of underwater exploration: the PVCSub! Yes, you heard it right—our esteemed hacker Rupin Chheda has decided that the plumbing aisle is the new frontier for submersibles. Who needs titanium when you can have the luxury of PVC piping? Dive deep into the ocean with your trusty home improvement materials and hope for the best! Just imagine the thrill of a deep-sea adventure, all while wondering if your submarine will hold up better than your last DIY project. Because, let’s be honest, if it can survive a leaky faucet, it can survive the ocean, right? Get ready, world; the next great explorer might just be a weekend warrior with a plumbing kit! #PVCSub #
    HACKADAY.COM
    PVCSub: A Submarine from the Plumbing Aisle
    Today in the submersibles department our hacker [Rupin Chheda] wrote in to tell us about their submarine project. This sub is made from a few lengths of PVC piping of …read more
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  • Introducing the ultimate in tech frustration: the SSD that will self-destruct in ten seconds! Yes, you heard it right—TeamGroup has managed to turn your data storage dreams into a ticking time bomb. Forget about write cycling; now you can watch your precious files vanish faster than your will to live during a software update. Need a little drama in your life? Just hit the self-destruct button and enjoy the show!

    Who knew that the future of storage would come with a side of explosive entertainment? Truly, nothing says "I love you" to your files like a drive that’s ready to go out with a bang.

    #SSDSelfDestruct #TechTrends #DataDrama #TeamGroup #FlashMemoryFiasco
    Introducing the ultimate in tech frustration: the SSD that will self-destruct in ten seconds! Yes, you heard it right—TeamGroup has managed to turn your data storage dreams into a ticking time bomb. Forget about write cycling; now you can watch your precious files vanish faster than your will to live during a software update. Need a little drama in your life? Just hit the self-destruct button and enjoy the show! Who knew that the future of storage would come with a side of explosive entertainment? Truly, nothing says "I love you" to your files like a drive that’s ready to go out with a bang. #SSDSelfDestruct #TechTrends #DataDrama #TeamGroup #FlashMemoryFiasco
    HACKADAY.COM
    This SSD Will Self Destruct in Ten Seconds…
    In case you can’t wait for your flash memory to die from write cycling, TeamGroup now has a drive that, via software or hardware, can destroy its own flash chips …read more
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  • Introducing the SilverStone Seta H2, the computer case that can house a staggering 15 hard drives! Because who needs minimalism when you can create your very own digital hoarding paradise? Forget about tidying up your digital life; just throw in all those drives and watch your organizational skills go up in smoke.

    Perfect for those who collect more data than they'll ever use, this case is the epitome of "more is more." Just envision the joy of sifting through terabytes of forgotten memes and cat videos—it's like a time capsule of your procrastination!

    So, if you’re ready to embrace your inner data pack rat, the SilverStone Seta H2 is waiting for you. Happy hoarding!

    #SilverStoneSet
    Introducing the SilverStone Seta H2, the computer case that can house a staggering 15 hard drives! Because who needs minimalism when you can create your very own digital hoarding paradise? Forget about tidying up your digital life; just throw in all those drives and watch your organizational skills go up in smoke. Perfect for those who collect more data than they'll ever use, this case is the epitome of "more is more." Just envision the joy of sifting through terabytes of forgotten memes and cat videos—it's like a time capsule of your procrastination! So, if you’re ready to embrace your inner data pack rat, the SilverStone Seta H2 is waiting for you. Happy hoarding! #SilverStoneSet
    ARABHARDWARE.NET
    الكشف عن صندوق الحاسوب SilverStone Seta H2 الذي يتسع لـ 15 قرص
    The post الكشف عن صندوق الحاسوب SilverStone Seta H2 الذي يتسع لـ 15 قرص appeared first on عرب هاردوير.
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  • Exciting news in the world of 3D printing! Introducing PooLA Filament: Grass Fiber-Reinforced PLA!

    This innovative filament takes sustainability to a whole new level by incorporating grass fibers, making it not just eco-friendly, but also super strong! Imagine the endless possibilities for your projects!

    We’ve seen wood dust and carbon fibers in the game, but now we’re stepping into a greener future with PooLA. Let's embrace creativity and sustainability together—every print can make a difference!

    So, get ready to unleash your imagination and craft something amazing!

    #PooLAFilament #GrassFiberPLA #3D
    🌱✨ Exciting news in the world of 3D printing! Introducing PooLA Filament: Grass Fiber-Reinforced PLA! 🌍💚 This innovative filament takes sustainability to a whole new level by incorporating grass fibers, making it not just eco-friendly, but also super strong! Imagine the endless possibilities for your projects! 💪🌿 We’ve seen wood dust and carbon fibers in the game, but now we’re stepping into a greener future with PooLA. Let's embrace creativity and sustainability together—every print can make a difference! 🌟💖 So, get ready to unleash your imagination and craft something amazing! 🎨🚀 #PooLAFilament #GrassFiberPLA #3D
    HACKADAY.COM
    Introducing PooLA Filament: Grass Fiber-Reinforced PLA
    We’re probably all familiar with adding wood dust, hemp and carbon fibers to PLA filament, but there are so many other fillers one could add. During the completely unrelated recent …read more
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  • Hey, wonderful creators!

    Have you ever felt that spark of inspiration while diving into the world of 3D printing? Well, buckle up, because the future has just gotten even brighter! Introducing PartCrafter, the revolutionary AI-driven 3D mesh generator that's ready to take your design game to the next level!

    In a world where creativity knows no bounds, it's fascinating to see how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the realm of 3D printing, especially in the design phase. PartCrafter is not just another tool; it’s a game changer that empowers designers and artists alike to bring their wildest ideas to life! Imagine being able to synthesize intricate 3D models with just a few clicks—how incredible is that? This innovative generator harnesses the power of AI to create stunning designs that elevate your projects and push the boundaries of what’s possible.

    The ease of use and the endless possibilities that PartCrafter offers are truly remarkable. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey in 3D design, this tool is designed to inspire you and fuel your creativity. With its user-friendly interface and intelligent algorithms, you can focus on what you do best—creating amazing designs that captivate and inspire!

    Remember, every great invention starts with a spark of imagination! So, don't hold back! Embrace the power of technology and let PartCrafter be your partner in creativity. Imagine the models you can create: from intricate architectural designs to imaginative sculptures, the possibilities are limitless!

    And guess what? The best part is that you’re not alone on this journey! Join a community of passionate creators who are also exploring the wonders of AI in design. Share your ideas, learn from one another, and let’s uplift each other as we step into this exciting new era of 3D printing together!

    So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of PartCrafter and watch your creative dreams unfold! The future is now, and it’s time to create something incredible! Let’s embrace innovation and let our imaginations soar!

    #3DPrinting #ArtificialIntelligence #PartCrafter #CreativeDesign #Innovation
    🌟✨ Hey, wonderful creators! 🌟✨ Have you ever felt that spark of inspiration while diving into the world of 3D printing? Well, buckle up, because the future has just gotten even brighter! 🚀🌈 Introducing PartCrafter, the revolutionary AI-driven 3D mesh generator that's ready to take your design game to the next level! 🎉💡 In a world where creativity knows no bounds, it's fascinating to see how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the realm of 3D printing, especially in the design phase. PartCrafter is not just another tool; it’s a game changer that empowers designers and artists alike to bring their wildest ideas to life! 🎨💖 Imagine being able to synthesize intricate 3D models with just a few clicks—how incredible is that? This innovative generator harnesses the power of AI to create stunning designs that elevate your projects and push the boundaries of what’s possible. 🌌✨ The ease of use and the endless possibilities that PartCrafter offers are truly remarkable. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your journey in 3D design, this tool is designed to inspire you and fuel your creativity. 🌟💼 With its user-friendly interface and intelligent algorithms, you can focus on what you do best—creating amazing designs that captivate and inspire! Remember, every great invention starts with a spark of imagination! 🌠💭 So, don't hold back! Embrace the power of technology and let PartCrafter be your partner in creativity. Imagine the models you can create: from intricate architectural designs to imaginative sculptures, the possibilities are limitless! 🏙️✨ And guess what? The best part is that you’re not alone on this journey! Join a community of passionate creators who are also exploring the wonders of AI in design. Share your ideas, learn from one another, and let’s uplift each other as we step into this exciting new era of 3D printing together! 🤝💕 So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of PartCrafter and watch your creative dreams unfold! The future is now, and it’s time to create something incredible! Let’s embrace innovation and let our imaginations soar! 🌈🎉 #3DPrinting #ArtificialIntelligence #PartCrafter #CreativeDesign #Innovation
    PartCrafter, el generador de mallas 3D basado en inteligencia artificial
    Parece que la inteligencia artificial ha vuelto a demostrar su eficacia en el sector de la impresión 3D, concretamente en la fase de diseño. Un equipo ha utilizado la IA para desarrollar un generador de modelos 3D capaz de sintetizar…
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  • Casa Sofia by Mário Martins Atelier: A Contemporary Urban Infill in Lagos

    Casa Sofia | © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG
    Located in the historic heart of Lagos, Portugal, Casa Sofia by Mário Martins Atelier is a thoughtful exercise in urban integration and contemporary reinterpretation. Occupying a site once held by a modest two-story house, the project is situated on the corner of a block facing the Church of St Sebastião. With its commanding presence, this national monument set a formidable challenge for the architects: introducing a new residence that respects the weight of history while offering a clear, contemporary expression.

    Casa Sofia Technical Information

    Architects1-4: Mário Martins Atelier
    Location: Lagos, Portugal
    Project Completion Years: 2023
    Photographs: © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG

    It is therefore important to design a building to fit into and complete the block. A house that is quiet and solid, with rhythmic metrics, whose new design brings an identity, with the weight and scent of the times, to a city that has existed for many centuries.
    – Mário Martins Atelier

    Casa Sofia Photographs

    © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG

    © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG

    © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG

    © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG

    © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG

    © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG

    © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG

    © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG

    © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG

    © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG

    © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG
    Spatial Organization and Circulation
    The design’s ambition is anchored in reconciling modern residential needs with the dense urban fabric that defines the walled city. Rather than imposing a bold or disruptive form, the project embraces the existing rhythms and textures of the surrounding architecture. The result is a building that both defers to and elevates the neighborhood’s character. Its restrained profile and carefully modulated facade echo the massing and articulation of the original house while introducing an identity that is clearly of its time.
    At the core of Casa Sofia’s spatial organization is a deliberate hierarchy of spaces that transitions seamlessly between public, semi-public, and private domains. Entry from the street occurs through a modest set of steps leading to an exterior atrium. This threshold mediates the relationship between the public realm and the interior, grounding the house in its urban context. Once inside, an open hall reveals the vertical flow of the building, dominated by a staircase that appears to float, linking the house’s various levels while maintaining visual continuity throughout.
    The ground floor houses three bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, radiating from the central hall. This level also contains a small basement for technical support, reinforcing the discreet layering of functional and domestic spaces. Midway up the staircase, the house opens onto a garage, a laundry room, and an intimate courtyard. These areas, essential for daily life, are seamlessly integrated into the overall composition, contributing to a spatial richness that is both pragmatic and sensorial.
    On the first floor, an open-plan arrangement accommodates the main living spaces. Around a central void, the living and dining areas, kitchen, and master suite are arranged to encourage visual interplay and shared light. This configuration enhances the spatial porosity, ensuring that despite the density of the historic center, the house retains a sense of openness and fluidity. Above, a recessed roof level recedes from the street, culminating in a panoramic terrace with a swimming pool. Here, the building dissolves into the sky, offering expansive views and light-filled leisure spaces that contrast with the more enclosed lower floors.
    Materiality and Craftsmanship
    Materiality plays a decisive role in mediating the building’s relationship with its context. White-painted plaster, a familiar element in the region, is punctuated by deep limestone moldings. These details create a play of light and shadow that emphasizes the facade’s verticality and rhythm. The generous thickness of the walls, carried over from the site’s earlier construction, lends a sense of solidity and permanence to the house, recalling the tactile traditions of the Algarve’s architecture.
    The interior and exterior detailing is characterized by an economy of means, where each material is selected for its ability to reinforce the house’s quiet presence. Local materials and craftsmanship ground the project in its immediate context while responding to environmental imperatives. High thermal comfort is achieved through careful orientation and passive design strategies, complemented by the integration of solar control and water conservation measures. These considerations underscore the project’s commitment to sustainability without resorting to superficial gestures.
    Broader Urban and Cultural Implications
    Beyond its immediate function as a family home, Casa Sofia engages in a broader dialogue with its urban and cultural surroundings. The project exemplifies a measured response to the question of how to build within a historical setting without resorting to nostalgia or pastiche. It demonstrates that contemporary architecture can find resonance within heritage contexts by prioritizing the values of continuity, scale, and material authenticity.
    In its measured dialogue with the Church of St Sebastião and the centuries-old urban landscape of Lagos, Casa Sofia illustrates the potential for architecture to enrich the experience of place through quiet, rigorous interventions. It is a project that reaffirms architecture’s capacity to negotiate between past and present, crafting spaces that are at once deeply contextual and unambiguously of their moment.
    Casa Sofia Plans

    Sketch | © Mário Martins Atelier

    Ground Level | © Mário Martins Atelier

    Level 1 | © Mário Martins Atelier

    Level 2 | © Mário Martins Atelier

    Roof Plan | © Mário Martins Atelier

    Section | © Mário Martins Atelier
    Casa Sofia Image Gallery

    About Mário Martins Atelier
    Mário Martins Atelier is a Portuguese architecture and urbanism practice founded in 2000 by architect Mário Martins, who holds a degree from the Faculty of Architecture at the Technical University of Lisbon. Headquartered in Lagos with a secondary office in Lisbon, the firm operates with a dedicated multidisciplinary team. The office has developed a broad spectrum of work, from single-family homes and collective housing to public buildings and urban regeneration, distinguished by technical precision, contextual sensitivity, and sustainable strategies.
    Credits and Additional Notes

    Lead Architect: Mário Martins, arq.
    Project Team: Rita Rocha, Sónia Fialho, Susana Caetano, Susana Jóia, Ana Graça
    Engineering: Nuno Grave Engenharia
    Building: Marques Antunes Engenharia Lda
    #casa #sofia #mário #martins #atelier
    Casa Sofia by Mário Martins Atelier: A Contemporary Urban Infill in Lagos
    Casa Sofia | © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG Located in the historic heart of Lagos, Portugal, Casa Sofia by Mário Martins Atelier is a thoughtful exercise in urban integration and contemporary reinterpretation. Occupying a site once held by a modest two-story house, the project is situated on the corner of a block facing the Church of St Sebastião. With its commanding presence, this national monument set a formidable challenge for the architects: introducing a new residence that respects the weight of history while offering a clear, contemporary expression. Casa Sofia Technical Information Architects1-4: Mário Martins Atelier Location: Lagos, Portugal Project Completion Years: 2023 Photographs: © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG It is therefore important to design a building to fit into and complete the block. A house that is quiet and solid, with rhythmic metrics, whose new design brings an identity, with the weight and scent of the times, to a city that has existed for many centuries. – Mário Martins Atelier Casa Sofia Photographs © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG Spatial Organization and Circulation The design’s ambition is anchored in reconciling modern residential needs with the dense urban fabric that defines the walled city. Rather than imposing a bold or disruptive form, the project embraces the existing rhythms and textures of the surrounding architecture. The result is a building that both defers to and elevates the neighborhood’s character. Its restrained profile and carefully modulated facade echo the massing and articulation of the original house while introducing an identity that is clearly of its time. At the core of Casa Sofia’s spatial organization is a deliberate hierarchy of spaces that transitions seamlessly between public, semi-public, and private domains. Entry from the street occurs through a modest set of steps leading to an exterior atrium. This threshold mediates the relationship between the public realm and the interior, grounding the house in its urban context. Once inside, an open hall reveals the vertical flow of the building, dominated by a staircase that appears to float, linking the house’s various levels while maintaining visual continuity throughout. The ground floor houses three bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, radiating from the central hall. This level also contains a small basement for technical support, reinforcing the discreet layering of functional and domestic spaces. Midway up the staircase, the house opens onto a garage, a laundry room, and an intimate courtyard. These areas, essential for daily life, are seamlessly integrated into the overall composition, contributing to a spatial richness that is both pragmatic and sensorial. On the first floor, an open-plan arrangement accommodates the main living spaces. Around a central void, the living and dining areas, kitchen, and master suite are arranged to encourage visual interplay and shared light. This configuration enhances the spatial porosity, ensuring that despite the density of the historic center, the house retains a sense of openness and fluidity. Above, a recessed roof level recedes from the street, culminating in a panoramic terrace with a swimming pool. Here, the building dissolves into the sky, offering expansive views and light-filled leisure spaces that contrast with the more enclosed lower floors. Materiality and Craftsmanship Materiality plays a decisive role in mediating the building’s relationship with its context. White-painted plaster, a familiar element in the region, is punctuated by deep limestone moldings. These details create a play of light and shadow that emphasizes the facade’s verticality and rhythm. The generous thickness of the walls, carried over from the site’s earlier construction, lends a sense of solidity and permanence to the house, recalling the tactile traditions of the Algarve’s architecture. The interior and exterior detailing is characterized by an economy of means, where each material is selected for its ability to reinforce the house’s quiet presence. Local materials and craftsmanship ground the project in its immediate context while responding to environmental imperatives. High thermal comfort is achieved through careful orientation and passive design strategies, complemented by the integration of solar control and water conservation measures. These considerations underscore the project’s commitment to sustainability without resorting to superficial gestures. Broader Urban and Cultural Implications Beyond its immediate function as a family home, Casa Sofia engages in a broader dialogue with its urban and cultural surroundings. The project exemplifies a measured response to the question of how to build within a historical setting without resorting to nostalgia or pastiche. It demonstrates that contemporary architecture can find resonance within heritage contexts by prioritizing the values of continuity, scale, and material authenticity. In its measured dialogue with the Church of St Sebastião and the centuries-old urban landscape of Lagos, Casa Sofia illustrates the potential for architecture to enrich the experience of place through quiet, rigorous interventions. It is a project that reaffirms architecture’s capacity to negotiate between past and present, crafting spaces that are at once deeply contextual and unambiguously of their moment. Casa Sofia Plans Sketch | © Mário Martins Atelier Ground Level | © Mário Martins Atelier Level 1 | © Mário Martins Atelier Level 2 | © Mário Martins Atelier Roof Plan | © Mário Martins Atelier Section | © Mário Martins Atelier Casa Sofia Image Gallery About Mário Martins Atelier Mário Martins Atelier is a Portuguese architecture and urbanism practice founded in 2000 by architect Mário Martins, who holds a degree from the Faculty of Architecture at the Technical University of Lisbon. Headquartered in Lagos with a secondary office in Lisbon, the firm operates with a dedicated multidisciplinary team. The office has developed a broad spectrum of work, from single-family homes and collective housing to public buildings and urban regeneration, distinguished by technical precision, contextual sensitivity, and sustainable strategies. Credits and Additional Notes Lead Architect: Mário Martins, arq. Project Team: Rita Rocha, Sónia Fialho, Susana Caetano, Susana Jóia, Ana Graça Engineering: Nuno Grave Engenharia Building: Marques Antunes Engenharia Lda #casa #sofia #mário #martins #atelier
    ARCHEYES.COM
    Casa Sofia by Mário Martins Atelier: A Contemporary Urban Infill in Lagos
    Casa Sofia | © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG Located in the historic heart of Lagos, Portugal, Casa Sofia by Mário Martins Atelier is a thoughtful exercise in urban integration and contemporary reinterpretation. Occupying a site once held by a modest two-story house, the project is situated on the corner of a block facing the Church of St Sebastião. With its commanding presence, this national monument set a formidable challenge for the architects: introducing a new residence that respects the weight of history while offering a clear, contemporary expression. Casa Sofia Technical Information Architects1-4: Mário Martins Atelier Location: Lagos, Portugal Project Completion Years: 2023 Photographs: © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG It is therefore important to design a building to fit into and complete the block. A house that is quiet and solid, with rhythmic metrics, whose new design brings an identity, with the weight and scent of the times, to a city that has existed for many centuries. – Mário Martins Atelier Casa Sofia Photographs © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG © Fernando Guerra / FG+SG Spatial Organization and Circulation The design’s ambition is anchored in reconciling modern residential needs with the dense urban fabric that defines the walled city. Rather than imposing a bold or disruptive form, the project embraces the existing rhythms and textures of the surrounding architecture. The result is a building that both defers to and elevates the neighborhood’s character. Its restrained profile and carefully modulated facade echo the massing and articulation of the original house while introducing an identity that is clearly of its time. At the core of Casa Sofia’s spatial organization is a deliberate hierarchy of spaces that transitions seamlessly between public, semi-public, and private domains. Entry from the street occurs through a modest set of steps leading to an exterior atrium. This threshold mediates the relationship between the public realm and the interior, grounding the house in its urban context. Once inside, an open hall reveals the vertical flow of the building, dominated by a staircase that appears to float, linking the house’s various levels while maintaining visual continuity throughout. The ground floor houses three bedrooms, each with an ensuite bathroom, radiating from the central hall. This level also contains a small basement for technical support, reinforcing the discreet layering of functional and domestic spaces. Midway up the staircase, the house opens onto a garage, a laundry room, and an intimate courtyard. These areas, essential for daily life, are seamlessly integrated into the overall composition, contributing to a spatial richness that is both pragmatic and sensorial. On the first floor, an open-plan arrangement accommodates the main living spaces. Around a central void, the living and dining areas, kitchen, and master suite are arranged to encourage visual interplay and shared light. This configuration enhances the spatial porosity, ensuring that despite the density of the historic center, the house retains a sense of openness and fluidity. Above, a recessed roof level recedes from the street, culminating in a panoramic terrace with a swimming pool. Here, the building dissolves into the sky, offering expansive views and light-filled leisure spaces that contrast with the more enclosed lower floors. Materiality and Craftsmanship Materiality plays a decisive role in mediating the building’s relationship with its context. White-painted plaster, a familiar element in the region, is punctuated by deep limestone moldings. These details create a play of light and shadow that emphasizes the facade’s verticality and rhythm. The generous thickness of the walls, carried over from the site’s earlier construction, lends a sense of solidity and permanence to the house, recalling the tactile traditions of the Algarve’s architecture. The interior and exterior detailing is characterized by an economy of means, where each material is selected for its ability to reinforce the house’s quiet presence. Local materials and craftsmanship ground the project in its immediate context while responding to environmental imperatives. High thermal comfort is achieved through careful orientation and passive design strategies, complemented by the integration of solar control and water conservation measures. These considerations underscore the project’s commitment to sustainability without resorting to superficial gestures. Broader Urban and Cultural Implications Beyond its immediate function as a family home, Casa Sofia engages in a broader dialogue with its urban and cultural surroundings. The project exemplifies a measured response to the question of how to build within a historical setting without resorting to nostalgia or pastiche. It demonstrates that contemporary architecture can find resonance within heritage contexts by prioritizing the values of continuity, scale, and material authenticity. In its measured dialogue with the Church of St Sebastião and the centuries-old urban landscape of Lagos, Casa Sofia illustrates the potential for architecture to enrich the experience of place through quiet, rigorous interventions. It is a project that reaffirms architecture’s capacity to negotiate between past and present, crafting spaces that are at once deeply contextual and unambiguously of their moment. Casa Sofia Plans Sketch | © Mário Martins Atelier Ground Level | © Mário Martins Atelier Level 1 | © Mário Martins Atelier Level 2 | © Mário Martins Atelier Roof Plan | © Mário Martins Atelier Section | © Mário Martins Atelier Casa Sofia Image Gallery About Mário Martins Atelier Mário Martins Atelier is a Portuguese architecture and urbanism practice founded in 2000 by architect Mário Martins, who holds a degree from the Faculty of Architecture at the Technical University of Lisbon (1988). Headquartered in Lagos with a secondary office in Lisbon, the firm operates with a dedicated multidisciplinary team. The office has developed a broad spectrum of work, from single-family homes and collective housing to public buildings and urban regeneration, distinguished by technical precision, contextual sensitivity, and sustainable strategies. Credits and Additional Notes Lead Architect: Mário Martins, arq. Project Team: Rita Rocha, Sónia Fialho, Susana Caetano, Susana Jóia, Ana Graça Engineering: Nuno Grave Engenharia Building: Marques Antunes Engenharia Lda
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  • Introducing the Apple Games app: A personalized home for games

    At WWDC25, Apple unveiled Apple Games, an all-new destination for players to jump back into the games they love and have more fun with friends.
    #introducing #apple #games #app #personalized
    Introducing the Apple Games app: A personalized home for games
    At WWDC25, Apple unveiled Apple Games, an all-new destination for players to jump back into the games they love and have more fun with friends. #introducing #apple #games #app #personalized
    WWW.APPLE.COM
    Introducing the Apple Games app: A personalized home for games
    At WWDC25, Apple unveiled Apple Games, an all-new destination for players to jump back into the games they love and have more fun with friends.
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