Bespoke Architects, based in Carvoeiro, has just been awarded a prestigious BIG SEE Architecture Award for their project Sky Base One, recognising it as a standout in European architecture this year.
The project has been turning heads with its daring design and imaginative approach to modern living. Far from a typical home, with its striking, elevated form and bold, futuristic silhouette, the building appears to almost defy gravity. From the outside, it looks like it could lift off at any moment. But while the dramatic exterior draws you in, it’s the careful balance of comfort that makes it such an exceptional project.
Commissioned by a client looking for something iconic, and consequently a little out of the ordinary, the project was always going to be a challenge. It needed to be eye-catching and innovative, yet still function as a warm, liveable home. The result is a house that merges art and architecture, where form never overrides function. As the design team explains, “It’s where domus—the home to live in—meets the theatrical space, where the movement of the body through space is choreographed.”
At the heart of Sky Base One is a circular core, inspired by classic sci-fi films. Natural light pours in through overhead skylights that resemble spaceship hatches, casting shifting patterns of brightness that change throughout the day. The feeling is otherworldly, almost serene – connecting the resident to both the sky above and the ground beneath your feet. Inside, the layout is as thoughtful as it is striking. The private areas, like the bedrooms and resting zones, are calm, minimal, and intentionally quiet. In contrast, the social and exterior spaces are designed to be experienced – playful, open, and expressive.
For Bespoke Architects, the BIG SEE Award is a major milestone. This globally recognised award celebrates architecture that pushes boundaries, and Sky Base One does just that. It reimagines what a home can be in the 21st century, challenging the norms while remaining grounded in practical, human-centred design.
John Wilson, CEO of Bespoke Architects, reflected on the win with gratitude and optimism: “I am deeply grateful to our dedicated team and valued clients, whose support has been instrumental in achieving this award. We continue to build on our success and remain committed to striving for even greater accomplishments in the near future.”
While it may look like something from the future, Sky Base One is very much designed for today – a home that’s not only visually captivating but also liveable, proving that comfort and creativity don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
The recognition from BIG SEE as a standout in European architecture this year emphasises Bespoke Architects’ dedication to pushing the boundaries of design and innovation, and is a well-deserved defining moment in their growing international reputation. Sky Base One is a striking example of forward-thinking design, hinting at the exciting future of what architecture can become.
By Charlotte Cockayne
