Art Meets Architecture: The Innovative Fusion of Form and Function in Sousa Aroso Street Residential Building

October 12, 2023

By Paula Santos | Tabula Rasa | Work by Otiima Portugal | Renders by © NUMA


A striking transformation is happening in Matosinhos/Sul, North of Portugal, reshaping the urban landscape with a harmonious blend of art and architecture. The highlight of this transformation is the residential building at Sousa Aroso Street, a testament to the seamless integration of creativity and design brought to life by the visionary minds at OTIIMA.



Nestled amidst the evolving cityscape, the residential building at Sousa Aroso Street stands tall as a testament to the convergence of artistic brilliance and architectural ingenuity. Its minimalist lines and meticulous design principles redefine contemporary living, offering a space where creative minds can gather, exchange ideas, and find inspiration.



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At its core, this residential building is not merely a structure; it's a canvas where art breathes life into every corner. The internal patio, adorned with an awe-inspiring artistic installation, serves as a focal point, inviting residents and visitors alike to explore the interplay of form, light, and space.



One of the most remarkable aspects of the Sousa Aroso building lies in its preservation efforts. The project artfully maintains and restores the existing structure, paying homage to the area's architectural heritage. Once silent witnesses to the passage of time, the interior naves and the courtyard have been revitalised and infused with a new purpose and vitality.



Read also - Exploring the Structural Brilliance of Minimal Windows.



The meticulous restoration work reveals a deep respect for the building's history while embracing innovative solutions. A large travelling crane, once an emblem of industrial prowess, now coexists harmoniously with contemporary design elements, bridging the gap between the past and the future.





Otiima's cutting-edge fibreglass system is central to the building's innovative design. This choice elevates the aesthetic appeal and brings unparalleled functionality and sustainability to the forefront.


  • Otiima's fibreglass system boasts exceptional thermal insulation properties, ensuring that the building retains heat during winters and remains calm in summers.
  • Fiberglass, with its superior structural strength, allows for the creation expansive glazed panes with minimal framing, maximising natural light and providing breathtaking views of the surroundings
  • The material's resistance to corrosion and rotting and its longevity reduce the resource demand, making it an eco-friendly choice for forward-thinking architectural projects.





This architectural marvel enriches the cityscape and sets a new standard for contemporary living through meticulous restoration, innovative design, and incorporating sustainable technologies like OTIIMA's fibreglass system. In every corner, every sculpted detail, and every ray of natural light that graces its interiors, the residential building at Sousa Aroso Street whispers a profound truth: art and architecture are not disparate entities but harmonious partners, capable of shaping a future where beauty, functionality, and sustainability coexist in perfect harmony.

Belgian Architecture: A Mosaic of Heritage and Modernism

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By OTIIMA MMTW • February 27, 2025
As the 2025 Academy Awards approach, the spotlight is once again on the art of filmmaking, a fusion of storytelling, visual composition, and immersive world-building. Among the many crafts that shape a film’s identity, set design plays a pivotal role in defining cinematic spaces' realism and aesthetic coherence. The relationship between film and architecture is more than just a visual spectacle; it studies how space, light, and structure influence perception and emotion. 

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By OTIIMA MMTW • February 20, 2025
Mário Martins is synonymous with elegant architectural language that integrates contemporary design with the raw beauty of the Algarve. His projects embrace southern Portugal's unique topography, light, and atmosphere, crafting sculptural spaces intimately connected to their surroundings. At the core of his work is a dedication to purity, fluidity, and precision. This article explores three extraordinary residences where OTIIMA’s minimalist window systems enhance the architectural vision: Libre House, Voluta House, and Lioz House. Libre House  Perched atop a gentle slope, Casa Libre epitomizes the dialogue between architecture and nature. Its monolithic white forms contrast with the rugged landscape, creating a visual serenity that extends beyond its physical boundaries. The expansive glass façades dissolve the separation between interior and exterior, framing panoramic views of the Atlantic horizon. Here, ‘liberty’ is a tangible experience of openness, weightlessness, and a deep connection with the surrounding elements.

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By OTIIMA MMTW • February 13, 2025
The essence of the Vision system is the art of framing nature without intrusion. Inspired by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s "less is more" philosophy and Le Corbusier’s concept of the horizontal window, Vision transcends conventional boundaries to create a connection between interior and exterior spaces. A Revolution in Minimalist Design  Minimalist architecture is about purity, function, and seamless integration. Vision system sliding windows redefine architectural transparency by eliminating visual obstructions and maximizing natural light. Unlike traditional systems that rely on frames as structural supports, Vision takes a radical approach: glass becomes the self-supporting element, free to slide without dimensional constraints. The result is a panoramic window that dissolves the barriers between solid and void, between built form and nature. The frame no longer dictates design but transforms into a discreet guide, leveling out across the periphery and erasing all intrusive lines. The transition between indoors and outdoors is no longer an interruption but a fluid continuum. Read also- Less Is More: The Path of Minimalism in Architecture

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