ABOUT
SERVICES
Welcome to Cube Architects, an architectural firm based in Funchal, Madeira Island, Portugal.
Founded in 2023 by architect Carolina Melim, it combines creativity with a passion for Madeira's landscapes.
The firm is specialized in residential projects, working closely with clients to bring their visions to life. Believing that every project is unique, Cube Architects carefully designs each space to reflect the personal needs and ideas of its clients and to respect the surrounding environment.
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At CUBE ARCHITECTS, we offer comprehensive solutions in residential architecture.
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Building Viability
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Architectural Project
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Construction Drawings
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Site Operations
STAGES OF ARCHITECTURAL AND BUILDING DEVELOPMENT
1 | Building viability
This document isn’t legally required, but it’s strongly recommended before purchasing land. It confirms that the plot is suitable for building. In many cases, the current owner may already have it, particularly if a development project has been approved in the past.
4 | Construction License
The construction license officially authorizes building to begin. Depending on the municipality, it may be granted after approval of the architectural project or only once the technical plans have also been approved.
7 | Habitation License
​After the building work is complete, you’ll need to obtain a habitation license before moving in. This certifies that the property meets all safety and living standards. Without it, utility services like water and electricity cannot usually be connected.
2 | Architectural Project
Once the land is confirmed as buildable, we will prepare the initial design proposal. This includes the overall layout, architectural drawings, and a description of the materials and finishes to be used. The local council (Câmara Municipal) will review and approve these plans to ensure they meet planning and building regulations.
5 | Construction Drawings
Once the architectural and technical designs are approved, detailed construction drawings are prepared. These specify all the practical details required on site—such as lighting layouts, equipment placement, window and door schedules, construction details, etc. These drawings serve as the reference for the building team.
3 | Engineering and Technical Plans
After the architectural project is approved, the next step is to produce a detailed technical plan. This covers all engineering aspects, such as electricity, water, sewage, insulation, and other structural details. Specialists and utility companies are usually involved in this phase.
6 | Site operations
During construction, we visit the site to ensure that the approved plans are being implemented correctly. This supervision helps maintain design integrity and compliance with legal and technical requirements.
Building your own home in Portugal can be an exciting and rewarding experience, but it also involves a number of administrative and technical steps. From confirming that your plot of land is suitable for construction to obtaining the final habitation licence, each stage has its own purpose and set of requirements.
Understanding the sequence of approvals and documents involved will help you plan your project more effectively, avoid unnecessary delays, and ensure that everything complies with Portuguese regulations. The following outline explains the key stages of the process — from initial feasibility checks through to moving into your completed home.
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