Mini Atalhada 2026: Tiny Azores Home on 13 Sqm Footprint

Architecture studio SO Arquitetura & Design has converted a tiny storage building on the southern coast of São Miguel, Portugal, into a fully functional home. Named Mini Atalhada, the project originated from a modest 13-square-meter footprint, housed inside a concrete structure too compact to fit even a car. The architects purchased the building themselves to experiment with how little space a modern dwelling truly requires.

Restricted by horizontal expansion limits, the team built upward, bringing the total interior area to approximately 35 square meters. The main spatial challenge involved the staircase; a conventional design would consume too much usable floor area. Consequently, the studio engineered a compact structure utilizing perforated metal sheets paired with timber treads, allowing light and sightlines to pass freely through the levels without fragmenting the tiny interior.

The interior program follows the vertical layout. The lowest level meets the street level with the entrance and support functions, while the intermediate floors accommodate the sleeping quarters. The top floor features the main living area, kitchen, and workspace, capturing ample daylight and a direct relationship with the surrounding landscape and the sea.

Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event

Every element in the 35-square-meter house serves a distinct purpose. Custom built-in furniture absorbs storage needs along the walls, while exposed reinforced concrete remains visible inside. Pale timber softens the raw concrete surfaces, complemented by dark window frames and dark ceramic finishes that sharpen the architectural edges.