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Architecture firm recommended by DHT

SO Arquitetura & Design

Contemporary Azorean architecture, between local heritage and an international outlook

In the Azores, a property project is not simply about building or renovating a house. It means working with the Atlantic Ocean, wind, salt, volcanic basalt, light and the particular identity of the territory.

DHT Azores

A meeting born from a property visit

At DHT, we do not choose our partners from a directory alone. We value meeting people on the ground, through real property projects and the people who bring them to life.

During a property visit, I met Gonçalo Lopes, co-founder and architect of SO Arquitetura & Design, together with Bruno Furtado. His path took him to France before he returned to the Azores. During our meeting, we were also able to speak in French, which naturally makes dialogue easier for some of DHT’s international clients.

Antoine REMY, DHT Azores

SO Arquitetura & Design

Who is SO Arquitetura & Design?

SO Arquitetura & Design is an architecture and design studio based in Lagoa, on the island of São Miguel. It was founded by Gonçalo Blétière Lopes and Bruno Furtado.

The studio works on residential, commercial, tourism and rehabilitation projects. Its approach brings together architecture, design and specialist technical partners according to each project’s needs.

São Miguel, Açores

Architecture born from the territory

The studio’s published projects do not seek to erase the Azorean landscape. They engage with the topography, volcanic rock, light and the way people live in the spaces.

MaterialsConcrete, wood and basalt create architecture that is both contemporary and rooted in its setting.
LightCourtyards and carefully framed openings bring natural light into the heart of each project.
Inside / outsideThe houses create a measured relationship between living spaces, gardens and the horizon.
ContextEach project seeks a response suited to its site, climate and identity.

Published projects

Projects that illustrate this approach

Two houses published by several specialist architecture media particularly illustrate this relationship between architecture, everyday use and landscape.

Lagoa, São Miguel · 2024

Casa da Rocha Quebrada

A 315 m² coastal house combining exposed concrete, wood, framed views of the Atlantic and a central courtyard. The project sits within a landscape marked by volcanic rock and the conditions of the Azorean coast.

Photo credit: Ivo Tavares Studio.

Lagoa, São Miguel · 2025

Casa CR

A single-storey house designed for an older couple, with an inner courtyard, cross-ventilation and a continuous relationship with the garden and basalt landscape.

Photo credit: Ivo Tavares Studio.

DHT Azores

Why DHT recommends SO Arquitetura & Design

We value the combination of a local base in São Miguel, an international outlook and a contemporary approach that remains attentive to the Azorean context.

For a construction or transformation project, the studio can bring a local perspective on the site, materials, light, everyday use and technical partners. Its announced rehabilitation activity may also be relevant to owners seeking to enhance an existing property.

Architecture firm recommended by DHT

Discover SO Arquitetura & Design

Discover their projects, architectural approach and official contact details:

Lagoa · São Miguel · AzoresArchitecture · Design · Rehabilitation