Placed on a stretch of sand on one of the Algarve’s many barrier islands, this abandoned fishers’ house looks out onto the calm waters of the lagoon and mainland beyond as they lap serenely up the sand towards its low walls. However, what began as a renovation seeking energy efficiency and contemporaneity soon became a voyage of discovery as false metal ceilings were removed to reveal the gorgeous beams of an umbrella roof construction. With the discovery rendering any thoughts of false ceilings a distant memory, the entire design was rethought around the new roofing structure, giving this 4-bed, 4-bath home an entirely new feel as ceilings were taken higher and other wooden elements added in.