The house designed by Manuel Aires Mateus and SIA Arquitectura, is distributed in two levels and has, inside of its program, three bedrooms, two living-rooms, one kitchen, storage space, two flat roofs an done swimming pool in an infinite style. His insides, monochromatic as well, have an interesting light set, straight and widespread, that saturates the housing with a brightness, freshness, cleanness and calm atmosphere.
Positioned at the peak of a hill, the two-storey house was conceived as a place offering views out across the landscape of Fontinha , and was also planned to offer a inner vision as a typical courtyard residence.
Manuel Aires Mateus architects stated, "The house is designed in the balance between a courtyard house, with a protected core relating to the sky, and an opening to the distant ocean view," and added "The topography is modelled, to protect it from the access road, and release the view."
The most characteristic action on the design is the sliced off corner creating a partial arch on the lower level of the building and accommodates an access to a living room. This curved shape has its echo in a minimal white interior of the house, the arched ceiling that stretches across the stairwell.
The house contains three bedrooms, all located on the upper floor. The two smaller rooms sit bedside one another at the back, while the master bedroom is positioned beside the swimming pool and features its own marble-lined shower area. The kitchen is also on this floor and features a worktop with a skylight overhead, as well as a triangular fireplace recessed into a corner.
Short description of the project by Aires Mateus architects
"On the Grândola crest, the house is designed in the balance between a courtyard house, with a protected core relating to the sky, and an opening to the distant ocean view.
The topography is modeled, to protect it from the access road, and release the view. The perimeter delineates the internal lodgings and its transitions. High volumetric spaces, occupied by elements that define functions and atmospheres."
Text.- Aires Mateus architects.
CREDITS. DATA SHEET.-
Name of the project.- House in Fontinha.
Architecture.- Manuel Aires Mateus with Ana Cravinho e Inês Cordovil (SIA arquitectura).
Collaborators.- Ana Rita Martins. Engineer.- Betar | Promee | Campo d´água.
Client.- Nuno Correia de Sampaio.
Constructor.- Mateus Frazão.
Site Area.- 50000 m²
Surface Area.- 130 + 108 m²
Building Area.- 160 + 130 m²
Location.- Melides, Portugal.
Date of project.- 2009-2011.
Date of construction.- 2012-2013.
