Described as "a pure architectural project" by the architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, the Hillside Chapel he recently completed has no electricity, heating or running water. Instead, the modest chapel relies on natural ventilation, and clever use of materials such as insulated bricks and limestone to create an off-grid, conceptually interesting materialization of faith.

One of Portugal’s most celebrated architects, the Pritzker Prize winner was approached to design the Capela do Monte by a Swiss-American couple. The couple, who have been living in Portugal's Algarve region since the mid-1980s, are building out a spiritual retreat in the country's southernmost region for which the non-denominational space will serve as a focal point. 

Scheduled to open early 2021, the Monte da Charneca Center will contain seven typical houses, original to the site and restored over the past 30 years with the help of a local heritage architect. Beyond the chapel, Siza has also advised on the masterplan for the retreat, which will add a handful of new residential structures and facilities to help revitalize traditional agricultural activity and welcome visitors. 

The chapel, however, opened just before Easter of this year. Sitting at the highest point of the hill, it appears as a spiritual oasis taking up a modest 10.34 x 6.34 meters of space. A sand-hued, rustic finish connects the exterior to its surroundings, while cut-outs in the facade and narrow windows flood the interior with sunshine. Reminiscent of the church of Saint-Jacques-de-la-Lande he completed earlier this year in Brittany, it relies on clean lines and the use of natural light with striking effect. 

Inside, the chapel’s cross, altar, bench and chairs, have all been designed by Siza. Murals depicting scenes from the birth, baptism, and death of Jesus, are his own original works as well.