House Around a Column: Striped Marble Home by fala atelier

Architecture studio fala atelier has completed a 120-square-meter residence on a tight 60-square-meter plot in Porto, Portugal. Named House Around a Column, the building sits surrounded by neighboring structures on all sides, instantly catching the eye with its black-and-white striped marble facade, an oversized window, and colorful geometric accents. The design transforms the strict limitations of the urban site into an opportunity for spatial and visual experimentation.

Due to the irregular outline of the plot, the architects avoided a conventional rectangular layout. Instead, fala used the longest wall as a primary reference to establish a strict geometric logic for the interior. A continuous circulation route follows this boundary, connecting different levels while leveraging the vertical height of the compact volume where horizontal space is restricted.

The ground floor accommodates secondary functions, while the main living area occupies the first floor between two large windows. Above this space, an angular ceiling opening introduces a double-height void, reminiscent of an Ellsworth Kelly composition. Two distinct staircases continue the journey upward toward the rooftop, creating a rich sequence of spatial connections.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

The interior arrangement is punctuated by three columns—one circular, one hexagonal, and one square—bringing diverse geometries into a single composition. The main living space also features a triangular kitchen, striped flooring, and whimsical furniture. Architectural elements incorporate playful color accents, such as a pink circle, a yellow triangle, and a green square, transforming everyday functional components into abstract shapes.