ABOUT ME
Hello, I’m Marta Carvalho, originally from Setúbal, a small town on the Portuguese coast. I’m an architect with a diverse educational background and a strong commitment to innovative, sustainable design. My academic and professional journey has taken me across Europe, allowing me to explore various architectural styles and typologies, from renovation of traditional housing in Portugal to public building improvements in the UK and Rome, and sustainability-focused projects in the Netherlands.
One of my most significant projects was my master’s thesis, AURA HOMES, which focused on modular homes and their potential to implement smart, and sustainable housing solutions. This project embodies my dedication to push the boundaries of conventional architecture.
While I enjoy working on a variety of architectural projects, I discovered my passion for developing housing projects, ranging from social housing to luxury villas. I believe that well-designed homes can significantly impact people’s lives and well-being. My career goal as an architect is to collaborate with professionals that I can learn from and that share that dedication together with a drive to improve sustainability within each project.
Master’s
Hubert Crijns Architects & Freelance
Den Haag, Netherlands & Setúbal, Portugal
Delft, Netherlands
Delft, Netherlands
Den Haag, Netherlands
Mallorca, Spain
Delft, Netherlands
WORK EXPERIENCE
08. 2022 - 02. 2023 Architecture Intern
Hubert Crijns Architects, The Hague, NL
Interned as an architectural visualization specialist, responsible for creating both 3D and 2D visualizations. Successfully communicated complex designs to clients through visually captivating representations. Actively participated in site work, taking measurements and providing input for new project development.
01. 2021 - 05. 2024 Freelance Architectural Drawings
Sado Comercial II, Setúbal, PT
Development of wide range of Technical Drawings and Renders. for a house renovation and construction company.
EDUCATION
2022 - 2024 Master of Science in Architecture
(Completed with honours degree)
TU Delft (Delft University of Technology)
Faculty of Architecture and the Built Environment , Delft, Netherlands
2019 - 2022 Bachelor of Science in Architecture
(Completed with honours degree)
Coventry University RIBA Part I, Faculty of Arts and Humanities , Coventry, UK
2017 - 2019 Professional Architecture Course
LANGUAGES
Instituto Superior Técnico, IST Lisbon, Portugal
Fluent - Certificate of English Cambridge University
Native Speaker
TECHNICAL SKILLS
AutoCad
7 Years Expirience
Sketch Up
6 Years Expirience
Maya & Rhino
2 Year Experience
Unreal Engine 5 (VR)
2 Year Expirience
Twinmotion
5 Years Expirience
Substance 3D Painter
3 Year Experience
Photoshop
7 Years Expirience
InDesign
6 Years Expirience
Illustrator
4 Years Expirience
Comfortable understanding, currently improving speaking skills
I began my architecture studies in Portugal at Instituto Superior Técnico, earned my bachelor’s degree in the UK, completing RIBA Part I, and recently graduated with a master’s degree in architecture from TU Delft. My international experiences highlight my adaptability and proficiency in diverse architectural styles, integrating different cultural and design philosophies.
I am proficient in various fields of architecture representation, from technical drawings high-resolution rendering. I have always embraced new technologies so I really enjoy learning new software and I have spent my academic years engaging with new programs to improve my visual skills and showcase my work in a more proficient matter. I also have high communication skills in multiple languages, making me comfortable presenting my work in diverse settings.
NETHERLANDS
The Hague TU Delft
UNITED KINGDOM
Coventry University
PORTUGAL
Lisbon
Instituto Superior Técnico
Coventry
AURA MODULAR GROW
Year |
Project Location |
January 2024 - 2ª Year Master at TU DELFT Comporta, Portugal
Development of a Housing Modular system that allows Homes to grow with their users and adapt to future needs.
AURA (Adaptable Units with Resizable Architecture) is a modular housing system designed for high adaptability. Easily transportable by truck, these modules can grow and change with the user’s needs. The structural system allows seamless reconfiguration of facade elements, enabling the addition of new modules over time. Whether your family grows, you move locations, or new opportunities arise, Aura homes adapt accordingly. Despite being prefabricated, these homes balance accessibility and personalization, providing a true sense of home.
AURA MEDIUM MODULE
Ingen, Netherlands Year |
January 2024 - 2ª Year Master at TU DELFT
Project Location |
AURA Medium Composed by 2 modules of 6x3m, created for a couple in the Netherlands, it represents the initial stage of the AURA Grow.
This 30 m² house was designed to test the adaptability of the AURA modular system. It explores tiny home concepts with future growth possibilities in mind. Representing the initial stage of AURA Grow, the house starts in the Netherlands but can move with the couple when they buy land in Portugal. As their family grows, they can add new modules to expand the original 30 m² house, eventually developing it into the full AURA Grow system.
Floor Plan
Section A-A’
AURA XS MOBILE
Anywhere Year |
January 2024 - 2ª Year Master at TU DELFT
Project Location |
Fully Off-Grid Mobile version of the AURA Homes, designed to be lightweight and with mesurments that allow it to be transported by car.
Is a 24 m2 mobile, fully off-grid version of the AURA modular system, offering freedom for a nomadic lifestyle. Focuses on creating moving components both internally and externally (like folding panels and moving furniture) to improve the quality of the tiny space over all.
Closed Mode
Ground
CONCLUSION: Overall I really wanted to create a system crafted for individuals seeking adaptable, customizable, and sustainable living solutions. It aims to address the housing challenges faced in the younger generation by offering a flexible pathway towards property ownership, rather than perpetuating the cycle of renting overpriced properties. Aura encourages investment in undervalued land, presenting both an affordable, luxurious and scalable alternative to traditional housing.
CIRCULARITY: It emphasizes sustainability with modular components that are easy to assemble and disassemble. Homes can adapt to temporary needs and be returned to the manufacturer for reconfiguration or recycling. This approach guarantees that all components have a circular life, reducing waste and promoting the reuse of materials in new models.
To find out more about this project click here
PROFESSIONAL WORK
for HUBERT CRIJNS
Year|
From August 2022 - Febuary 2023.
Location |
Hubert Crijns Architects - Maaswijkstraat 94, 2586 CG
Den Haag
Incharge of creating both 3D and rendered visulations that would inhance the perception of the design to the clients.
As an intern at Hubert Crijns, an architecture studio in The Hague specializing in modern minimalist architecture, I had the exciting opportunity to contribute to their projects focused on beach clubs and the renovation of apartments in typical and historical Dutch buildings in The Hague and Amsterdam.
My role involved providing input in designing floor plans, creating essential 3D renderings and visualizations for client presentations, and developing 2D technical drawings crucial for contractors and city planning office submissions. This experience allowed me to actively engage in the design process and gain practical insights into the world of architecture.
Renders of a renovation project in Town House in Amsterdam
SHCIE SIDE FAMILY
Year | Project Location |
December 2022 - 1ª Year Master at TU DELFT Delft , 2627 AN , NL
Development of a housing complex focused on academic and international families working at TU Delft
The Concept in this project is mainly focused on its user, Families that might have a connection with TU Delft Academia. This being said I really tried to include tailored designed apartments that will fulfil the needs of different typology users within the family spectrum.
The Schie Side Family Building process followed a series of shape development stages. First taking the Row houses proposed on the original, and gradually evolving to an Irregular U shaped building with a series a amenities, direct views to the Schie river and private outdoors spaces for every dwelling.
Axonometric Showing different Housing Typologies
The Structure is composed by a mixture of glulam and CLT. Internal supported by glulam to allow future flexibility in arrangement. CLT can be preserved for future renovations. The project features in the Eastern facade the exposed timber structure which allows for a naturally created grid. The installations will also work with the facade pattern to create a systematic approach during construction. On the west facade even though it’s represented in a more organic way it follows the same 1m rule for openings and prioritizes vertical distribution.
Section C-C’
Render - Building Entry from the street
Dwelling C1
Dwelling C1 Floor Plan
Section A-A’
DWELLING C1 SCHIE
Year |
December 2022 - 1ª Year Master at TU DELFT
Project Location |
Delft , 2627 AN , NL
The Dwelling C1 located on the 2nd Floor of the building was designed for small fami- lies of maximum 3 people, that are looking for balance between luxury and afordability. The apartment provides smaller room areas but makes up for shared living space. The design of the main corridor in the middle serves as a connector between the kitchen and the living room while also working has a play area for the kids.
Supporting elements such as beams and co- lumns are exposed in the interiors creating a more rustic environment and allowing for diverse storage opportunities.
Interior view - Living Area & Kitchen
View - External Entry pathway
Original Plan Renovation Plan Proposal
WORK
Apartment Renovation
Setúbal Pinho Family Home Renovation Project Year| Location |
From March 2024 - Under construction Now Avenida de Angola 5, 2900-711 Setúbal, Portugal
Project Introduction: Setúbal Family Home Renovation
I undertook a renovation project for a family in Setúbal, transforming their four-bedroom apartment into a more open and comfortable living area. With their children having moved out, the clients no longer needed three bedrooms and desired a spacious, open-plan design.
To achieve this, I proposed a new layout where one of the bedrooms was eliminated, allowing for an expanded kitchen and living room that function as a cohesive open space. I developed detailed renders and collaborated with an interior designer to refine the interiors and select materials.
The renovation is currently underway and is scheduled for completion by the end of August.
Marquise
SPORTS CENTER TRIUMFATORKERK
July 2023 - 1ª Year Master at TU DELFT
Project Location |
The Hague , 2595 CL , NL
Transformation of an abandoned modernist church in the Hague into a Community Sports Center. Year |
The concept of transforming a modernist church into a sports center holds great potential, addressing the need for accessible and community-oriented sports facilities in the area. The decision to repurpose the church is driven by the scarcity of sports complexes that specifically cater to the local community.
To meet the varied needs of the community, the old church and side building complex are transformed into a multi-court space, equipped with versatile sports facilities to accommodate different activities. This includes indoor courts for basketball, volleyball, and futsal, providing ample opportunities for recreational and competitive sports. In addition, the inclusion of a swimming pool offers a valuable amenity for both leisure and swimming lessons.
Section A-A’
Section
B-B’
To further enhance the experience, incorporating a café and wellness area within the sports center would contribu- te to a holistic approach to fitness and well-being. This additional space could offer a relaxing environment for socializing, rejuvenation, and fostering a sense of community.
The elevation facing Juliana van Stolberglaan serves as the side entrance of the building, establishing a strong connection to the adjacent structure housing the pools. Additionally, this side of the building features a prominent red Y column that supports the new extension. This eye-catching design element not only adds structural support but also serves as a distinctive feature, setting the building apart from the surrounding street and making it visually striking and memorable.
To find out more about this project click here
Bitd View Axonometric
Pool Area View
To find out more about this project click here
ANALYSIS PROJECT
Year |
October 2022 - 1ª Year Master at TU DELFT
Project Location |
Carrer Mercat 92. Sa Pobla,
Deep Analysis of the Project Sa Pobla Social Housing by Ripoll Tizon Archietcture Studio.
Analyzing the Sa Pobla social housing project was a captivating experience. It beautifully merged modern design with Mallorca’s traditional architecture. Using online floor plans, I created diagrams, elevations, and schematic plans to explore the housing’s qualities, gaining valuable insights into its integration with the local architectural context. This project deepened my appreciation for the harmonious blend of tradition and modernity in architecture.
Urben Isometric
DWELLING CONFIGURATION
Dwelling Configuration
Building Circulation
DWELLING MIX Isometric
The access of the building is on the streetside. On the ground floor the courtyard is used as circulation area. The building has two lifts with stairs next to them. The lift closes to the entrée goes up one floor and is
and is
The Environmental Strategy in these project relies fully in passive methods, like its deeply complex natural ventilation system. Wich can be created by applying a series of design decision that influence greatly the Air flow within the complex. But the most important Passive strategy applyed is STACK VENTILATION which operates with some simple principles based on the pressure differential between hot and cold air and the circulation in the whole system.
MAISONETTE
6x6 + 6x6
9x6 + 6x6
6x6 + 9x6
POOL MEADOW STATION
Year |
May 2022 - 3ª Year Bachelor’s of RIBA Part 1
Project Location |
Coventry, CV1 5AD , UK
Turning the old Coventry Bus Station into a new Transportation Hub.
My mission for the new transportation Hub was to allow Coventry to become a new break destination in the UK. Making my design tourist and guest focused is a big part of my proiect as I aspire to provide new ways of accomodation that will satisfy all type of tourists while making transportation methods in Coventry more accessible and enjoyable. New leisure and commercial opportunities are incorporated within the new building in order to increase activity in the city centre area, something that will benefit not only people visiting Coventry for the first time but aslo students and curent residents.
Section A - A’
First Floor Plan
Green Roofs and Ventilation Strategy Diagram
View From the Recreational Green Roof
A series of sustainability measures have been implemented to enhance the building’s environmental performance and occupant comfort. Metal perforated screens on the South, East, and West glass facades control heat gain and loss. The unitized construction curtain wall system, with aluminum profiles and pre-built units, ensures precision and quality. Low-E argon-filled double glazing improves thermal performance by retaining more heat.
Automated awning windows and skylights facilitate natural ventilation, maintaining a comfortable thermal environment yearround.
The main design idea of my project is to create a recreational green roof through an organically shaped platform - composed of a series of different green roofs designed to satisfy both people and animals. The development of this new green walkway allows my project to be much more than a bus station. The bio-solar green roof combines photovoltaic renewable energy with ecological benefits. The building also features semi-intensive and intensive green roofs, providing self-sustaining vegetation and elaborate gardens for recreational spaces.
These strategies make the building energy-efficient, environmentally friendly, and pleasant for occupants.
Thermal / Lighting Comfort Diagram
GROWN UP HOUSE
Year |
May 2021 - 2ª Year of RIBA Part I
Project Location |
Lungotevere Portuense, 00153 Rome, Italy
Facilitating the Transition to Adulthood: A Housing Project for Recent Graduates in Rome.
The concept of becoming a grown-up involves achieving freedom, space, comfort, and security during the transition from university to real-world responsibilities. For many recent graduates, this shift can be shocking. Adulthood is not just about age but about personal choice and interpreting one’s life and achievements.
This project provides a transitional living space to support independence and a stable lifestyle despite job market challenges. It offers affordable T1 dwellings with private and shared gardens, parking, a library, communal work and workshop areas, a coffee shop, and a community garden to give users a true grown-up experience.
Interior Bedroom View
Site Plan
ESCAPE TO THE WOODS
May 2023 , 1º Year Masters at TU DelftYear |
Project Location |
High End 3D Visualizations software apprenticeship
Altough this is not an architecture project, I have decided to included it in this portfolio because it showcases my journey when learning to work with the VR Rendering Program Unreal 5. All the way to being able to produce igh resolution realistic renders from 3d models created in Maya Software, and textures individually created in Substance Painter by Adobe.
To see the VR video click here
Once the individual elements were modeled and textured, I proceeded to construct the forest scene in Un real Engine. To achieve a dense forest atmosphere, I meticulously placed various foliage and vegetation throughout, leaving an open space in the center for the cabin and main elements. As for the lighting, my goal was to create a mysterious and sepia-toned ambiance. I accomplished this by adjusting the temperature of the direct light, controlling the indirect scattering and color reflection through the sky light and atmosphere settings. Additionally, I carefully fine-tuned the amount of fog present in the scene to enhance the mysterious look, adding an element of intrigue and depth to the overall composition.
PROFESSIONAL RECOMENDATION
To whom it may concern,
The Hague, January 5 2024
Dear Sirs,
In the summer of 2022, Marta Carvalho has started working as a part time intern at the office. Eventually she spent more than six months assisting us with various projects.
Besides being a pleasant person to have in the office, with who it is easy to spend hours in silence working focused together on one side, she is also fun and entertaining in social circumstances.
She doesn’t have a 09:00 to 17:00 mindset and is very hands on in her approach to assignments, and quick in responses when needed.
She has assisted on several small projects and helped in various fases of the design process of residential projects, restaurants, beach clubs and a yoga studio
Especially her quick renders of projects in sketch fase came in very handy.
Thank you for considering Marta’s qualifications, I was totally satisfied with Marta’s performance during the period she assisted us at the office.
If we can be of any further assistance please let u know.
Yours sincerely,
ir. Hubert Crijns
ACADEMIC RECOMENDATION
Thank you for taking the time to Review my Portfolio
Email: marta.rc24@hotmail.com
Phone: +351 913294369
Selected Archihtectural Works 2019 - 2024