Apartment

The Modernist

Faro, Algarve, Portugal

The Modernist is a wonderful example of modern architecture in southern Portugal. The building was constructed in 1974 by architect Joel Santana, a famous Lisbon modernist architect. It served as the headquarters of a shipping company for 30 years and then stood empty for a long time before it was completely renovated to take into account the preservation of historical monuments.

In addition to the fact that Faro and the Algarve probably have the best beaches in Europe and fantastic weather, there is a lot more to discover in the city, such as the many modern and art deco buildings. A visit to Faro is inspiring, relaxing and like traveling back in time. For the hosts, a young French-Portuguese family, Faro is a kind of mini-Palm Springs at the southern end of Europe.

The philosophy that runs through the apartments is "form follows function". The design principle associated with late 19th and early 20th century architecture and industrial design in general is that the shape of a building or object should primarily relate to its intended function or purpose. For this reason, the interior at The Modernist is minimalist and functional. There is no superfluous furniture or decoration, the apartments are practical and inviting at the same time.

The hosts have created a book for their guests called "Faro Modern Architecture Walking Tour". This is a tour through the city, during which the most important buildings of modern architecture with cafés, restaurants and ice cream parlors are presented. In this way, the city can be experienced from a very special perspective.

If you like, you can take a look backstage in the Modernist on our blog.


Rooms + Rates

per night
Apartmentfrom120 €

Sustainable

ArchitectureThe Modernist is the only hotel in Faro that is inspired by modern architecture. The hotel was designed with the architectural office PAr, which specializes in the preservation of style-defining architecture. The hotel is deliberately not a copy of what is trendy today and can be seen in many places. Rather, it aims at an authentic mixture of restoration and new creation, which follows the original DNA of the house. The architecture is completed with today's technology and modernity. The materials that were used in the renovation, such as wood or marble stone, come 100% from the region or Portugal. The same goes for the furniture, around half of which were designed specifically for The Modernist by local craft firms in the style of modern architecture.

Only local people who are grateful for the employment are employed in the accommodation. Everyone is united by a passion for their work. The hosts support a cultural project together with the city administration of Faro: There, young people are taught about modern architecture. They also support the “Minecraft MI MO MO” initiative, which enables playful learning. In this way, the hosts hope to accompany and support a young generation of architects in Faro and the Algarve.

EnvironmentDuring the conversion and renovation, it was important to the hosts that all materials come from Portugal, in the best case from the region around Faro. A lot of emphasis was placed on the existing and its restoration. All suppliers are also from Portugal, so guests can sleep in local bed linen and towels, as well as Portuguese soap and shampoos. The Modernist completely dispenses with plastic. The building is equipped with solar panels so that the 300 days of sunshine in Faro can be used to generate energy. For the hosts, a low carbon footprint for products and furniture is more important than a low price.


Characteristics

  • Experience the modern architecture of the 1970s
  • Stylish and authentic, furnished with many originals from the time
  • Located in the middle of Faro, the center of the Algarve
  • Walk in the footsteps of Oscar Niemeyer, Le Corbusier & Franck Lloyd Wright
  • Enjoy 300 days of sun a year
  • Fanatic view of Faro from the roof terrace of the building
  • The Laguna natural park "Ria Formosa", which was recently voted one of the 7 natural wonders of Portugal, is very close by
  • Great hikes along the Algarve, in the mountains and on the coast possible (a must is the "Sete Vales Suspensos" along the rugged coast with great views and access to the beaches)

Apartments6 apartmentsOwn kitchenChildren welcomeWi-Fino disabled accessno Poolno pets

Features

  • 6 apartments for 1-4 people
  • All apartments have their own kitchen and their own balcony or terrace
  • Nice, green courtyard
  • Communal roof terrace with shower to cool off
  • Baby cot available on request
  • Family-friendly
Visit Website

Rooms + Rates

per night
Apartmentfrom120 €

Location + Directions

With public transport

The apartments are centrally located in Faro. The train station is only a 10-minute walk away (800 meters), the central bus stop is 5 minutes (500 meters) and the airport is only 12 minutes away by car (7 km). The exact address can be found on the website.