North façade of the chapel at night
North façade of the chapel at night © João Morgado

Described as "a pure architectural project" by the architect Álvaro Siza Vieira, the Hillside Chapel he recently completed has no electricity, heating or running water. Instead, the modest chapel relies on natural ventilation, and clever use of materials such as insulated bricks and limestone to create an off-grid, conceptually interesting materialization of faith.

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Entrance patio of the chapel in the evening. The sun enters through the opening next to the floor, illuminating the chapel. Hand-painted tile panels designed by Alvaro Siza Vieira hang on the walls.
Entrance patio of the chapel in the evening. The sun enters through the opening next to the floor, illuminating the chapel. Hand-painted tile panels designed by Alvaro Siza Vieira hang on the walls. © João Morgado