A sculptural landmark of vertical living with 200㎡ balconies redefining spatial engagement

OODA, an architecture studio based in Porto, Portugal, has unveiled "Miramar Tower"—a residential building distinguished by its unique position near the sea and its sculptural presence within the urban landscape. While its scale and proportion align with the nearby towers of Pasteleira Park, its conceptual direction deviates entirely, pursuing an innovative housing model centered on spacious terraces exceeding 200 square meters per floor.

Photo credit:
Fernando Guerra

A 15-storey vertical mass emerges from a podium, positioned centrally on the site to maximize distance from neighboring buildings. The architectural vision realizes a spiral composition through the offset of balconies on each level, emphasizing a strong sense of verticality. The dendriform (tree-like) structural logic allows for flexibility in unit configurations, responding to diverse residential typologies.

Each dwelling maintains its individuality with surrounding terraces and gardens. Horizontal slabs are intentionally shifted in the balcony zones, creating a dynamic rhythm that resists repetition and visual fatigue. The balconies are not only functional but serve as sculptural elements rendered entirely in concrete.

Between the fluidity of common areas—which blur the boundaries between interior and exterior—and the compartmentalization of private rooms, the building privileges spatial exceptionality. At the ground level, a lush atrium filled with natural vegetation creates a microclimate, linking architecture and environment. Miramar Tower evokes a proud and monumental silhouette, capable of absorbing and reflecting the surrounding landscape.

About OODA

OODA (Oporto Office for Design and Architecture) is a 15-year-old architecture practice based in Porto, Portugal. Founded in 2010 by Diogo Brito and Rodrigo Vilas-Boas, and later joined by Francisco Lencastre, João Jesus, and Julião Pinto Leite, the studio has grown into a dynamic team of over 60 collaborators. The studio operates on principles of contextual observation, strategic design thinking, and bold execution. Their projects are never isolated from place or culture—each responds critically to its environment, whether through adaptive reuse or contemporary intervention. Balancing innovation and craft, OODA continues to explore new technologies while embracing the roots of tradition to export local excellence globally.