Atelier Backlar wraps Azores clifftop house in recycled ocean plastic

The Blue House, located on São Miguel Island in the Azores, has been completed by Atelier Backlar, rising from the remnants of an old whaler's tavern. The design incorporates preserved basalt stone walls alongside a new timber framework wrapped in recycled ocean plastic. Craftsmen specializing in traditional stonework restored the perimeter walls, which had been dilapidated since the 1980s. Utilizing locally sourced timber, prefabricated structural insulated panels (SIPs) were assembled in just 10 days. The blue exterior comes from a facility that manufactures furniture-scale components. Large windows enhance natural lighting and offer views of Capelas Bay. Inside, custom furnishings, an antique harpoon symbolizing conservation, and bedrooms adorned with 17th-century Jesuit lampshades complete the space. Photography by Francisco Nogueira.