PORTUGAL MODERN

ATÓLL is set to become one of Portugal’s most ambitious future architectural projects, bringing contemporary architecture of the highest international calibre to the centre of Cascais. Designed by the renowned architect Norman Foster, in collaboration with the Portuguese studio Fragmentos, the project replaces the former CascaisVilla complex with a new architectural vision defined by lightness, sustainability, and a strong relationship with the public realm. As one of the most influential voices in contemporary architecture, Foster introduces to Cascais the same clarity of structure, environmental intelligence, and elegant minimalism that distinguish his work around the world.

The new development will consist of two sculptural buildings rather than a single massive block, creating a more permeable and human-scaled urban presence. ATÓLL is envisioned as a mixed-use complex combining residential spaces, commercial areas, and generous public zones. A large pedestrian plaza, botanical gardens, and landscaped terraces will integrate the project into Cascais’s coastal environment, reinforcing its position as a benchmark of contemporary architectural design in Portugal. Sustainability is a central principle: materials from the demolished CascaisVilla will be reused in the construction, and the project incorporates advanced energy-efficient technologies and comfort-driven design solutions.

More than a private development, ATÓLL represents a new urban gateway to Cascais. The project coincides with improvements to the surrounding traffic system and the reconfiguration of Avenida D. Pedro, allowing the area to shift from car-dominated infrastructure to a more welcoming, walkable public space. With an estimated investment of around 100 million euros and an expected completion date in 2028, ATÓLL positions Cascais within the international conversation on innovative contemporary architecture.

For Cascais, this is not simply another building—it is a future landmark. ATÓLL introduces Norman Foster’s architectural language to the town for the first time, bringing global design excellence into dialogue with the Portuguese landscape. The result promises to be a refined, sustainable, and culturally significant contribution to Portugal’s evolving contemporary architectural scene.