Jardim do Mar is an ongoing case study exploring the application of prefabricated CLT construction within a constrained coastal site in Madeira. The project investigates how a modular, low-carbon design approach can deliver a flexible mixed-use programme, and how this methodology might be scaled and adapted across a range of future sites.
The proposal is a compact three-storey building using a prefabricated CLT frame system, designed around a 2.4m x 4.5m modular grid. Open floor plates with lightweight partitions and loose furniture allow for reconfiguration and future change, while a plug and play facade system integrating factory-fitted windows, panelised wall systems, and lightweight exterior cladding supports both thermal performance and construction efficiency.
The programme combines a fabrication workshop for prototyping and small-scale making, residency living for short and long-term creative stays, seasonal rental units, and a food and beverage space as a social hub for residents and the wider community. The loose fit nature of the structure allows the programme to evolve and be reprogrammed over time.
Low-carbon and climate-responsive design runs throughout. Passive solar strategies, high-performance glazing, integrated photovoltaics, and natural ventilation reduce reliance on mechanical systems and anchor the building within its coastal environment.
Project: Manufacturing Residency (New build)
Location: Jardim do Mar, Madeira
Year: 2025 - Ongoing
Type: Regeneration/Retrofit
