Welcome to MAD House.
a creative residency for designers and artists
Founding Cohort · 2027
The MAD House Residency
An intentional working residency in Porto for small business owners, artists, designers, and makers ready to work on projects they have only dreamed of. This residency will include a place to stay, workspace and weekly check ins with Melanie.
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The Residency
Meaningful work is rarely made in haste. It asks for room to think, a change of setting, and the discipline to finally give an idea the attention it has long deserved.
In 2027, the MAD House will open its doors in Porto, a city known for its creative scene, manufacturing partnerships and being the inspiration you need. Here, we are welcoming a small group of small business owners, artists, designers, and makers for a residency of one to three months, spent developing the work they have long carried with them, whether that is a collection not yet launched, a business not yet begun, or an idea that has simply been waiting for the right conditions to take shape. Each resident works closely with Melanie through weekly meet ups, supported by a small community equally devoted to their craft. Melanie will work closely with you to help give you the tools you need to start your project and connect you with local studios in the area if needed to finish it.
As part of the founding cohort, you won't just be a resident. You'll help shape what the MAD House Residency becomes in the years that follow.
Is this for you?
The residency is designed for those who value depth over speed:
Small business owners seeking clarity, structure, and expert guidance to move a specific initiative forward.
Designers and artists ready to dedicate uninterrupted time to developing new work, refining a collection, or reconsidering their creative direction.
Those who recognize the value of mentorship, community, and a deliberate pace, without setting their business or practice aside to pursue it.
Arriving with every answer is not a requirement. Arriving with a clear question or project worth the attention is.
APPLY NOW
Inside the Residency
Your residency is shaped by weekly sessions, dedicated time for your own work, and support that connects you to the right people and plans exactly when you need them.
01
Weekly Meetings
Each week, you'll meet one-on-one to discuss your work.
02
Dedicated time for your work.
Beyond these sessions, your time belongs to you. The studio, the quiet, and the city of Porto are yours to draw from as you develop the project that brought you here.
03
Finding a collaborator
When it makes sense, you may be connected with local artisans or makers in Porto to help finish your project, during your stay or after. This isn't guaranteed, only offered when it truly serves both sides.
04
A planning session before you arrive
Before your residency begins, we will plan with you to define what you hope to accomplish. That way, your time at the MAD House opens with direction, not a blank page.
Where You'll Stay
Each resident is hosted on-site at the MAD House. Every room has been considered individually, and priced according to its size, privacy, and amenities.
Blue Room: Private Room with Balcony & Bathroom
From €1500/ month
Red Room: Private Room with Shared Bathroom
From €950/ month
Green Room: Shared Room with Shared Bathroom
From €750/ month
Frequently Asked Questions
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Individual creatives and artists are welcome, along with small businesses of any size or starting point.
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This is expected for many residents, pairing is offered only when it serves the work well, not guaranteed for every stay. Your weekly session with Melanie remains the foundation of the residency regardless.
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Utilities and studio access are included. Meals are not provided. Shared spaces are cleaned regularly; if you'd like your own room cleaned, that's available for an additional €40. Weekly one-on-one sessions with Melanie are part of the residency itself, not the room rate, so they're included no matter which room you choose.
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Some practices, like ceramics, woodworking, or jewelry making, need dedicated space we can't provide in your private room. In those cases, we'll help connect you with a local workspace to share with another artist. The cost of that space is arranged directly between you and the artist you're sharing it with.
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Yes, a down payment of 50% of your total stay is due once you're selected for the residency. The remaining balance is due before you arrive.
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Each stay runs between one and three months, depending on the scope of your project.
Formerly the office of architect Adalberto Dias, Melanie teamed up with Porto-based studio Fala Atelier in 2022 to transform the space into MAD House—a vibrant, modern retreat.
