Those living just a few kilometres from São Pedro de Moel beach, on the Atlantic coast of Marinha Grande, have the habit of going there either to enjoy the beach or simply to contemplate the sea, revitalising themselves, finding inspiration, and returning with renewed energy.
However, this habit has become so routine, or so fixated on the vastness of the ocean, that people often bypass the town entirely, heading straight to the beach, overlooking the uniqueness of its urban planning: a well-defined centre and a central roundabout from which streets radiate in a radial configuration, intersected by other streets in various circumferences, resembling a map of longitudes and latitudes, as envisioned in the general plan by architect José de Lima Franco (1904–1970).
The best way to observe its urbanism is by walking through the streets. Much of it is paved with stone, and the village is seamlessly integrated into the landscape of the National Forest or Pinhal de Leiria. And while the urban planning might go unnoticed from ground level, the prevalence of family holiday villas, resulting in a place of Mediterranean charm comparable to the French or Italian Riviera coast, is hard to overlook.
Its architecture, locally referred to as São Pedro de Moel architecture, encompasses a variety of styles. From the wooden houses, painted in strong shades of blue and green, reminiscent of the more traditional Nordic style, with steeply pitched roofs; to the classic/Brazilian-style masonry houses, with balconies in brightly painted wood; and to the modernist houses of the 1950s. The latter includes beautiful examples, especially in the upper part of the village.
Details of a traditional house in São Pedro de Moel. © After Hall 2024
The richness of this ensemble comes from the individuality of each house and their customised designs, far from the concept of mass tourism. They are inspiring models, and at After Hall, we just couldn't resist crafting lighting solutions inspired by the more classical examples of wood and masonry. Not only to do justice to their charm but also to imbue wherever they are installed with the atmosphere that emanates from these houses and this place.
Available models from the DeMoel collection (available in 5 different finishes): DeMoel Wall Light (top left row); DeMoel Single Pendant (top centre row); DeMoel Accompanied Pendant (bottom left row) and DeMoel Double Pendant (bottom centre row). On the right: detail of the lampshade. Finish: Frontier Blue with Brushed Brass. © After Hall 2024
We turned to metal to convey the classicism suggested by this type of architecture. In allusion to the characteristic tones of these houses, we complemented the D'Moel collection with vibrant, yet equally noble, colours such as Verdeal or Frontier Blue. For those who prefer a more classic and refined look, we also offer models in Nickel and Brass, both with a Brushed finish. And, to top it off, we also have the Royal Pink finish, to celebrate with a touch of feminine irreverence the fact that in São Pedro de Moel there is perhaps the only example of a project by the first Portuguese female architect, Maria José Estanco (1905–1999).
Available finishes from the DeMoel collection: Frontier Blue with Brushed Brass (top left); Royal Rose with Polished Nickel (top centre); Brushed Brass (bottom left); Brushed Nickel (bottom centre); Verdeal with Brushed Nickel (right). © After Hall 2024
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Cover photo: São Pedro de Moel Beach, Leiria. © After Hall 2024