DepA Architects clads traditional Portuguese house in sage-green tiles

Tsou Arquitectos designed Casa Vertical, a tall, narrow home in Porto, Portugal. The project addresses the challenges of a thin, triangular site by organizing the dwelling's spaces vertically around a central staircase. The staircase, constructed from exposed concrete and featuring plywood panel balustrades, is a key element that unifies the interior. The design incorporates half-floor intervals on either side of the four-story home, creating visual connections and allowing light to spread effectively through the space. The architects aimed to accommodate a functional program within the narrow plot situated in the city's downtown area. The ground floor of Casa Vertical includes a slightly sunken studio space that opens onto a small rear garden. A curving lightwell extends from this studio to the first-floor living room, ensuring adequate illumination. The narrow eastern section of the home houses a kitchen, a bedroom, and a laundry room, with each level providing views of the back of the site through large windows. On the western side, the ground floor is occupied by a garage. A dining room with a balcony is located on the first floor, while the second and third floors contain additional bedrooms and bathrooms. At the top of the residence, a rooftop terrace, featuring simple paving and an outdoor seating area, offers views of the city. The exterior facade of Casa Vertical is designed to harmonize with the proportions of neighboring buildings, though it distinguishes itself with minimalist white plaster and a gently curving top section. The design maintains a monolithic character through its uniform finish and the stereotomy of the facade's lines, echoing traditional Porto urban houses with their vertical windows, tripartite facade, and cornice top. Inside, the minimalist aesthetic continues with a light, natural palette. Exposed concrete, white walls, and timber carpentry define the interiors. Raw materials like cement are used for all floors, while soft wood is utilized for doors, cabinets, and guardrails, reinforcing the project's cohesive design. Marble stone is incorporated into kitchen countertops and sanitary installations, adding refined touches to the raw material scheme. This careful selection of materials and vertical organization addresses the site's constraints while creating a bright and interconnected living environment. #PortugueseHouses #PortoArchitecture #ConcreteStaircase #ResidentialDesign #TsouArquitectos #NarrowPlotDesign #Lightwell #ModernArchitecture #MinimalistInterior #UrbanHome

This article details the comprehensive renovation of a lakeside villa in the Algarve, Portugal, undertaken by Architecture and Interior Design Studio De Rosee Sa. The project aimed to modernize a dated property, transforming its fragmented layout into an open-plan living space while preserving its traditional Portuguese aesthetic and incorporating elements of a modern English style. The clients, who had been visiting the Algarve for over two decades, sought a home suitable for year-round use as their family grew, explicitly requesting to avoid a 'beachy' feel. The renovation focused on unifying the original split-level ground floor to create a continuous, expansive, and fluid area ideal for entertaining and daily family life. This involved reimagining a dated conservatory with large windows to maximize natural light and garden views. The design process began with a mood board that blended traditional Portuguese coastal homes with contemporary, pared-back interiors, reflecting the client's preference for softer finishes, layered textures, and classic English kitchen details. The objective was to achieve a warm, lived-in, and comfortable atmosphere year-round, successfully integrating the relaxed, open feel of a Portuguese home with traditional English interior charm. The design approach emphasized atmosphere and materiality over overt stylistic references, leveraging the Mediterranean backdrop of sunlight and natural textures. Local materials like stone, timber, and marble were used, but with refined finishes and tailored joinery reminiscent of English interiors. The color palette moved away from stark white, exploring subtle hues of light pink, soft green, and gentle off-white for communal areas to add character without overwhelming the space. The dining room, a central hub for family and friends, was furnished with a bespoke walnut dining table seating ten, complemented by a sculptural pendant light and walnut detailing in the adjacent kitchen to ensure visual cohesion. Bathrooms were designed with distinct material palettes; family bathrooms featured Portuguese Estremoz White marble for a timeless aesthetic, while the master suite showcased a bolder Verde Viana marble paired with Farrow & Ball’s Dimity. A unique sculptural moment was created in the powder room with a bespoke marble sink, its raw front face highlighting the stone’s natural texture against a limewashed wall. The designers also integrated several vintage pieces and artwork sourced from various markets, personalizing the space and tying the different elements together. Challenges encountered included a language barrier and managing the project remotely from another country. Sustainability was a key consideration, leading to extensive sourcing of materials like marble, tiles, and stone within Portugal to reduce shipping impacts. For UK suppliers, those with European distribution points were prioritized. The use of marble flooring also contributed to sustainability by naturally regulating indoor temperatures during hot summer months. The most transformative aspect of the renovation was deemed to be the living areas, which evolved from disconnected rooms into a light, expansive, and modern open-plan space seamlessly connecting to the garden and pool, while retaining a homely feel. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #PortugueseInteriors #EnglishAesthetic #AlgarveVilla #OpenPlanLiving #SustainableDesign #LuxuryInteriors #MaterialPalette

Asim Merchant, a Mumbai-based designer, embarked on a unique passion project: the respectful restoration of an old Indo-Portuguese villa in Moira, a serene hamlet in North Goa. Merchant was captivated by the villa's location and the inherent beauty of its dilapidated structure, despite its neglected state. His primary objective was to infuse a subtle modern elegance while preserving the intrinsic, age-old charm of the home. This involved a deep dive into the historical context of Goan villas, studying their construction methods, the rationale behind specific architectural choices, and the materials used. The restoration was guided by the principle of 'restore, not recreate,' emphasizing the retention of as many original elements as possible. Merchant's extensive research into traditional Goan architecture, including the placement of wells and chosen heights, provided a foundational understanding of the villa's historical significance. He meticulously studied how such structures endured heavy monsoons without cement and how natural light and cooling mechanisms were integrated into 150-year-old designs. Key to the restoration was the integration of skylights, installed as long bands of glass across all roofs, including the living room, to maximize natural light. This design choice allows the sunlight to animate the interior spaces throughout the day. The balcão (porch) of the original home was carefully preserved and restored, maintaining its columns and roof wood. Multi-toned slate tiles with metallic glints were used to anchor the porch, reflecting traditional aesthetics. Merchant ensured that any modifications or extensions blended seamlessly with the surrounding, historically rich neighborhood. This commitment to contextual harmony extended to details such as the height of the house and the choice of tiles, drawing inspiration from the local architecture. A significant decision was to retain all existing trees on the property, which was a deciding factor for the previous owner in selling the villa to Merchant. This underscored his dedication to preserving the site's natural and historical integrity. While the villa's footprint remained largely unchanged, a portion of the original G+1 structure was converted into a G+2. This required strengthening the existing plinth, a complex process that involved recreating reinforcements using local materials like laterite stone, red mud, lime, and cement with wire mesh to support the fragile, almost-collapsing mud walls. The interior design maintained a natural and raw aesthetic, featuring exposed lime plaster on walls and restored wooden shutters on wardrobes integrated into the walls. The villa's long facade, a distinctive feature, was emphasized to create an impressive entrance from the adjoining roads. The furniture, a blend of vintage finds and custom pieces from Merchant's brand, Red Blue & Yellow, reflected the project's influence by inspiring a new line of vintage resort furniture tailored for second homes. The master bedroom, a self-contained double-height space, also benefits from abundant natural light. Ultimately, the project earned the approval of the local community, including long-time residents, who recognized the respectful approach taken by Merchant. This restoration offers a hopeful alternative for the preservation of Goa's numerous old, beautiful, and often crumbling villas, demonstrating that modern intervention can coexist harmoniously with historical preservation. #GoaHome #VillaRestoration #IndoPortugueseArchitecture #AsimMerchant #ArchitecturalPreservation #SustainableDesign #TraditionalCraftsmanship #NaturalLight #GoanHeritage

Sussurro House, designed by Italian architect Davide Andracco, is situated in São Miguel do Gostoso, Brazil, amidst palm trees along the Atlantic coast. Completed in 2023, this project, spanning 283 square meters on an 1100 square meter plot, integrates modern design principles with respect for the natural environment, aiming to create an elegant and comfortable living space for an Italo-Brazilian family. The house’s orientation, east-west, is deliberately chosen to maximize natural light exposure and optimize ventilation from the trade winds, a crucial aspect for tropical climates. The architectural layout of Casa Sussurro is organized into three distinct zones, each identifiable from the exterior, which define the structure's volume and aesthetic. The primary sector, serving as the central hub of the residence, features a spacious living room combined with an island kitchen. This area is specifically designed to encourage family interaction and conviviality, boasting a high ceiling of 3.6 meters to enhance comfort and spaciousness. An expansive veranda extends from this central living area, opening into a garden adorned with native flora, thereby seamlessly blending the indoor and outdoor environments. This design choice highlights a commitment to integrating the living space with its natural surroundings. The project’s specifications include the architectural firm Davide Andracco Architetto, with the lead architect being Davide Andracco himself. The total area of the house is 283 square meters. Andrew Franca is credited for the photography, capturing the essence of the design. Key collaborators in the project include NS Brazil for manufacturing, Ricardo Simon for engineering, Carmelo Lombardo for metallic works, Adriano Fontes for carpentry works (Obras De Carpintaria), and Jailson Miranda for carpentry. Wando Carneiro was responsible for masonry works. These details underscore the collaborative effort and the range of expertise involved in bringing Casa Sussurro to fruition. Casa Sussurro exemplifies a thoughtful approach to residential architecture, where contemporary design meets environmental consciousness. The strategic use of orientation for light and ventilation, the integration of living spaces with nature through the veranda and garden, and the clear volumetric definition of its sectors contribute to a dwelling that is both aesthetically pleasing and highly functional within its unique geographical context. The project reflects a careful consideration of its inhabitants' needs for comfort and elegance, while also harmonizing with the idyllic landscape of São Miguel do Gostoso. #ResidentialArchitecture #Houses #Brazil #SãoMiguelDoGostoso #DavideAndraccoArchitetto #ContemporaryDesign #NaturalVentilation #IndoorOutdoorLiving

Local House, completed in 2022, is a contemporary and sustainable residence situated within the historically significant Mount Eagle Estate in Eaglemont, Australia. Designed by Zen Architects, the project reinterprets the architectural character of the suburb while integrating seamlessly with its meticulously landscaped environment. The Mount Eagle Estate, originally planned and designed by Marion Mahoney and Walter Burley Griffin in 1915, is known for its winding roads and community parklands that follow the natural topography, with dwellings designed to be secondary to the natural landscape. The Griffins, proponents of modern architecture, advocated for designs free from stylistic precedents. This historical context informed the architectural approach for Local House, adhering to the estate's guidelines which encourage modern designs while complying with heritage, landscape, and vegetation protection overlays. The residence spans 214 square meters and was constructed by CBD Contracting Group. Key materials used in its construction include wood, concrete, and brick, contributing to its sustainable and contextual design. The architectural team was led by Ric Zen as the Design Architect, with Luke Rhodes as the Project Architect, and Madeleiene Ingham and Sanderson Bell serving as Architectural Assistants. OPS Engineers provided the engineering expertise for the project. The design prioritizes harmony with the natural surroundings, a core principle of the Mount Eagle Estate. This is evident in the integration of the house with its garden and facade, featuring numerous windows that allow for ample natural light and views of the landscape. The interior spaces are designed with a focus on natural materials, incorporating wooden elements, exposed beams, and thoughtful layouts that enhance functionality and aesthetic appeal. The presence of large windows throughout the house, including in living areas, bedrooms, and bathrooms, highlights the connection between indoor and outdoor environments. Courtyards and patio areas further extend the living space into the garden, providing opportunities for outdoor enjoyment and interaction with the natural setting. Interior photography showcases various rooms, including living areas with wooden tables and chairs, a kitchen with contemporary countertops and shelving, and bedrooms designed for comfort and natural light. The bathroom features modern fixtures and large windows, reinforcing the bright and open aesthetic. The overall design emphasizes a minimalist yet warm ambiance, achieved through the careful selection of materials and the strategic use of natural light. The project successfully balances modern architectural principles with the historical and environmental sensitivities of the Mount Eagle Estate, creating a dwelling that is both innovative and respectful of its unique context. #ResidentialArchitecture #SustainableDesign #ModernArchitecture #MountEagleEstate #ZenArchitects #Melbourne #Australia #ContemporaryHouse #EnvironmentalIntegration

Jacobsen Arquitetura designed a house in São Paulo where a decked walkway extends across a shallow reflecting pool, separating the two primary wings of the residence. The property is strategically positioned on the highest part of its sloping site, a choice made to maximize views while minimizing any potential overlooking from nearby homes. The design features two parallel sections, each of the same width and length but intentionally offset from one another, defining the communal and private areas of the home. The central element of the design is a bridging structure that houses the main entrance. Access to this entrance is achieved via a wooden path that elegantly crosses the reflecting pool. This walkway continues through the glass-walled entrance hall, extending beyond to create a strong visual and physical connection with the surrounding garden and landscape. Below the main wings, on the lower portion of the site, a stone-walled volume is oriented perpendicularly to the upper structures. This lower level accommodates a large children's playroom and essential service areas, including storage, dog kennels, and living quarters for staff, contributing to the comprehensive functionality of the property. On one side of the entrance hall, a corridor leads to an open-plan living room and dining area, connecting seamlessly to a home cinema and a gym at the opposite end. A continuous concrete terrace runs along this side of the house, offering protection from the sun with its overhanging eaves and providing direct access to a swimming pool and an adjacent decked outdoor space, enhancing the outdoor living experience. The second wing, situated at the rear of the site, is dedicated to the owners' and guests' accommodation. This section is designed to receive optimal morning sunlight and features sliding glass walls that open onto a sheltered deck, further integrating indoor and outdoor spaces. Structural innovation is a key aspect of the design; the building's framework is composed of laminated timber units, a system previously developed by the architects. These wooden elements form distinct porticoes that line the corridors in both wings. On the building's exterior, these wooden beams are supported by a metal frame that also houses the windows, allowing the beams to cantilever outwards, creating a sense of openness and connection to the horizon. The interior features a dramatic linear rhythm created by rows of beams traversing the ceilings, separated by 40-centimeter gaps. These ceilings appear to extend beyond the walls, reinforcing the visual link with the expansive landscape. The internal surfaces of these beams frame changing views of the pond as one moves through the corridors, adding dynamic visual interest to the living experience. Fernando Guerra provided the photography for the project, capturing the architectural details and the integration with the natural environment. #BrazilianArchitecture #SãoPauloHouse #ModernResidentialDesign #ReflectingPool #TimberConstruction #IndoorOutdoorLiving #ArchitecturalInnovation #LuxuryHomes

In Porto, Portugal, Ricardo Azevedo Arquitecto undertook a residential commission that progressed seamlessly from conceptualization to construction, largely due to a shared vision between the architect and the client. This collaborative approach afforded the design team complete creative freedom. The project involved updating a 1980s rectilinear residence, transforming its exterior with zinc cladding and extensive glazing to foster a strong connection between the indoors and the surrounding environment, reflective of a gardener's dwelling. The integration of abundant natural light and outdoor views was a key design principle, aiming to immerse the inhabitants in the natural surroundings. A distinctive element of the renovation was the addition of a wine storage area, necessitated by the client's passion for wine. This new structure, though connected to the main living space, intentionally diverges in design from the existing rectilinear form of the house. Inspired by Alvar Aalto’s early architectural work, the addition features an organic, amoebalike shape, clad externally in vertical slats of kambala wood. This design choice was made to introduce diversity and an emotional touch, creating a deliberate contrast with the home's more structured architecture. Inside the 150-square-foot wine room, the material palette shifts to Afzelia, an exotic variegated hardwood, used for the interior slats that wrap the space. These interior slats echo the exterior's verticality while providing a warmer, richer aesthetic. A practical yet elegant grid of stainless-steel cables and fastenings forms the shelving system within the room. This custom-designed system is capable of housing approximately 250 varieties of wine, balancing the need for impressive display with ease of access for selection. The overall design of the wine room exemplifies a successful blend of aesthetic appeal and functional requirements, catering specifically to the client’s oenophilic interests. This project highlights a thoughtful approach to residential renovation, where contemporary updates respect the original structure while introducing new elements that enhance both functionality and visual interest. The choice of materials, from the robust zinc and clear glazing on the main residence to the natural woods of kambala and Afzelia in the wine cellar, underscores a commitment to quality and a harmonious relationship with the natural context. The design process demonstrates how a strong client-architect relationship can lead to a fluid execution, resulting in a residence that is both modern and deeply personal. #ResidentialDesign #ArchitecturalRenovation #ModernArchitecture #WineStorage #InteriorDesign #RicardoAzevedoArquitecto #PortugalArchitecture #RectilinearResidence #ZincCladding

Tsou Arquitectos designed the Casa da Levada, a single-family residence in Penafiel, Portugal, that integrates seamlessly into its natural surroundings near the Tâmega River. The home, nestled into rolling hills, showcases a commitment to harmonizing the built environment with the existing landscape through its architecture, which features a cork facade and a green roof. This design approach creates both visual and physical continuity between the house and the hillside, embedding the structure within the land. Access to Casa da Levada is provided via a paved walkway, meticulously crafted by the Tsou Arquitectos design team, which acts as a grooved path cut through the grassy terrain. The internal layout of the house distinctly separates social and private areas, establishing a central courtyard as the core of the design. This courtyard serves as an inviting outdoor gathering space and is strategically designed with horizontal overhangs to frame specific views of the surrounding environment, enhancing the residents' connection to nature. Climate control within Casa da Levada is achieved through efficient and sustainable solutions. A water-based radiant floor system, powered by a heat pump, manages both heating and cooling requirements. The use of ceramic flooring further improves thermal radiation transfer, contributing to an optimized indoor climate. Additionally, a Controlled Mechanical Ventilation (CMV) system equipped with a heat exchanger ensures superior air quality while minimizing temperature loss. The strategic orientation of the glazing, coupled with exterior solar shading and blinds, maximizes solar heat gain during the winter months and effectively mitigates excessive heat exposure in the summer, thereby reducing energy consumption. Sustainability was a paramount consideration in the material selection and construction techniques for Casa da Levada, reinforcing its connection to the landscape. The building is clad in a unique skin of cork panels, a material indigenous to Portugal, which offers natural insulation and durability. A landscaped roof extends the natural terrain, further blending the structure into its environment. Furthermore, a stone patio was constructed using repurposed granite salvaged from existing ruins on the site, demonstrating a commitment to resource efficiency and maintaining a historical link to the location. These integrated strategies contribute significantly to enhanced energy efficiency, environmental preservation, and the long-term resilience of the residence. #SustainableArchitecture #ResidentialDesign #CorkFacade #GreenRoof #TsouArquitectos #PortugueseArchitecture #EcoFriendlyHome #IntegratedLandscape #EnergyEfficiency

Architects Marià Castelló and José Antonio Molina have designed a family home in Port de la Selva, a small Spanish town in Costa Brava. This dwelling is embedded into a steep, rocky site that slopes towards the seafront and features dark volcanic rock outcrops. The design strategy balances openness and privacy by integrating a lower level into the ground with projecting volumes that offer sea views. This approach also minimizes the house's visual impact, allowing it to blend seamlessly into the landscape and creating various patios with distinct lighting conditions. The house consists of two concrete volumes connected by a glazed corridor. The lower level, close to street level, establishes intimate connections with the outdoors through patios. These patios are framed by the natural rock formations of the site. In contrast, the upper level's two volumes are oriented to provide frontal views of the landscape and the sea horizon. This dual strategy of embedding and volumetric division reduces the apparent size of the intervention and enhances its integration with the surrounding environment. On the ground floor, a spacious main bedroom, a bathroom, and a living area open onto private patios. These private outdoor spaces are sheltered by the steep rock surfaces. The eastern volume on the upper level accommodates the children's bedrooms and a small swimming pool, while the western volume houses a kitchen, dining area, and an additional sleeping space. The glazed corridor, which also contains the vertical circulation, connects these two volumes. It offers expansive sea views on one side and a sheltered courtyard on the other, protected by the slope of the site. This glass nexus creates a wind-protected exterior space that maintains visual transparency towards the sea. The exterior of the house features a concrete finish, chosen to harmonize with the natural characteristics of the site. Gravel excavated from the site was used to finish the building's roof, further integrating it into its surroundings. Inside, the rooms are characterized by white walls complemented by oak detailing and custom-made wooden furniture. This material palette was selected to introduce warmth and harmony, offsetting the inherent qualities of the concrete. The exterior carpentry and certain interior claddings are also crafted from oak wood. Both Marià Castelló and José Antonio Molina lead their own architectural practices, Marià Castelló Architecture and José Antonio Molina Saiz, respectively. Their previous works include a geometric three-volume home on Formentera and an Ibizan retreat featuring glass corridors, open patios, and a pool. The construction management for this project was overseen by José Antonio Molina, Lorena Ruzafa, and Marià Castelló, with Joan Noguer as the building engineer, Think Enginyeria for structure engineering, and QS Enginyeria i Associats for facilities engineering. The design team included Lorena Ruzafa and Marga Ferrer, and Construccions Pòrfit served as the builder. The photography was conducted by Castelló, highlighting the architectural details and the house's relationship with its coastal setting. #ResidentialArchitecture #ConcreteHouse #CoastalDesign #SpanishArchitecture #GlazedCorridor #IntegratedLandscape #ModernHome #PortDeLaSelva

Jai Alfama, a 17th-century residence located in Lisbon, Portugal's historic Alfama neighborhood, is currently on the market for approximately $3.78 million USD. This unique property, spanning 4,574 square feet, features four bedrooms and two bathrooms, offering a blend of historical charm and modern updates. The home is renowned for its original 17th-century frescoes and intricate tin-glazed azulejos, which are ceramic tiles characteristic of Portuguese art. The property boasts high ceilings and offers unparalleled views of the Tagus River from its reception rooms. On the opposite side, windows overlook the charming Sao Pedro Tower square, complete with a fountain and an orange tree, providing a picturesque urban outlook. The iconic building has undergone a renovation that carefully preserves its historical elements while integrating contemporary design. Original wooden beams are maintained throughout the structure, contributing to its authentic character. A significant feature of the renovation is the handcrafted wood-and-metal modern staircase. This contemporary addition is designed to create a sense of floating space, serving as a striking contrast to and an enhancement of the ancient 17th-century frescoes. The walls are adorned with stucco work by a renowned Chilean artist, further enriching the artistic ambiance of the interior. Solid French oak floors are installed throughout, contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere. The home’s interior details include well-preserved frescoes lining the hallway that connects the upper-level bedrooms, showcasing the artistry of the period. One of the bathrooms features mirrored walls and an oversized soaking tub, providing a luxurious modern amenity within the historic setting. The combination of exposed beams and French oak floors consistently reinforces the warm and welcoming aesthetic envisioned for the space. Jai Alfama is presented as a distinctive property that successfully marries its rich historical past with the comforts and design sensibilities of the present. It offers a rare opportunity to own a piece of Lisbon's architectural heritage, updated for contemporary living, making it suitable for those seeking a unique residence with profound cultural and artistic significance. The listing is handled by Carlota Barroso of Fantastic Frank. #LisbonRealEstate #HistoricHome #17thCenturyArchitecture #PortugueseDesign #LuxuryApartment #FrescoArt #Azulejos #ModernRenovation #Alfama

In the mountainous region of Bavaria, Germany, a distinctive holiday home known as Haus P offers a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional chalet. Designed by Stuttgart-based Yonder — Architektur und Design, this 2,680-square-foot residence serves as a rural retreat for a family of seven from Hamburg. The architects, Benedikt Bosch and Katja Knaus, drew inspiration from classic Allgäu chalet-style homes, adapting the form into a modern, sculptural structure. The house is strategically positioned on a gentle slope in the German alpine region of Allgäu. Its exterior features charred wooden siding, which not only provides a natural, weathered appearance but also offers eco-friendly weather protection, contributing to a cool, dark-grey aesthetic. This charred wood contrasts effectively with core-insulated exposed concrete used for the foundations of the basement level, establishing a solid plinth for the timber structure above. The combination of these materials creates a two-toned facade that is both visually striking and functionally robust. The unique geometry of Haus P is a result of maximizing the property’s allowable building envelope. Bosch explains that the design conceptually originates from a classic chalet form with a shallow gabled roof and a full lower level, from which an oblique section was strategically removed along its central axis. This incision effectively divides a single building into two primary components: the main house and a separate storage shed, creating a protected courtyard in the intervening space for outdoor activities. Access to the main entrance is provided by cantilevering stairs along the slanted rear façade, leading to this courtyard. The interior spaces are characterized by their cool, lofty ambiance and an emphasis on pure and simple aesthetics. Wood, a prevalent building material in the region, is extensively used for the home's structural framework and interior finishes. The double-height ground level accommodates the open-plan communal areas, including the kitchen, living, and dining spaces. A large picture window in this area frames stunning views of the surrounding mountains, integrating the natural landscape into the living experience. A modern, minimalistic concrete fireplace is a focal point in the living area. The lower level, or garden basement, is functional and well-appointed, housing two guest rooms, a sauna, and a bathroom, offering practical amenities for a large family or guests. Stairs within the house beautifully blend with the wooden walls, floors, and ceilings, creating a cohesive design. A built-in bench along the stairs provides a quiet spot for reflection, while an upper-level loft serves as an idyllic space for reading or stargazing through its picture windows. The canted shape of the building contributes to these commodious interior spaces with high ceilings, enhancing the overall sense of openness and light within the home. #ChaletInspiredHome #ModernArchitecture #GermanAlps #CharredWoodSiding #ConcreteDesign #HolidayHome #SustainableDesign #ArchitecturalInnovation

The article describes the transformation of an old Mexican house into an artist's retreat for financial adviser Dorsey Gardner, located in San Miguel de Allende. Gardner initially sought a small studio but acquired a significantly larger 19th-century cottage, which was later expanded to 12,000 square feet. The property, built in the late 1700s, was surrounded by high walls and presented several challenges. Upon acquiring the property, Gardner faced initial issues, including a dense "cactus farm" on the premises. Hundreds of cacti, including a large candelabra cactus, were carefully relocated. The house also featured numerous false ceilings installed in the 1950s in its oldest section, which architect Sebastian Zavala removed to restore the original height and appearance of the rooms. Zavala also enhanced some ceilings with grand wooden crossbeams and refinished existing 1950s wood doors and windows with a light whitewash. During the renovation, a hand-painted frieze in the primary bedroom was uncovered and preserved. Gardner, who had previously undertaken remodeling projects on his own homes in Boston, entrusted the design of this Mexican property to Zavala and Paris-born, San Miguel–based designer Anne-Marie Midy. Gardner expressed a preference for a neutral aesthetic, distinct from traditional Mexican decor. He provided the designers with inspiration from magazines and gave them "carta blanca" for the project before embarking on an extended trip. Midy, along with her partner Jorge Almada, founded Casa Midy, a design firm specializing in furniture and accessories. Gardner's house became their first major interior design project. He had discovered Midy and Almada at their former bistro, Plum, known for its distinctive all-purple decor, which Midy noted was an effective way to attract clients. Zavala converted the original structure into a three-bedroom, five-bathroom artist's retreat, maintaining the house's Spanish Colonial architectural elements, stone walls, and archways. He added a spacious studio and installed robust columns on the patio, using locally quarried stone. A new second-floor guest room was also added, offering views of the 17th-century parish church's Gothic-style tower, an 1880 addition inspired by European postcards. Midy and Almada adhered to Gardner's request for a more understated Mexican interior design. They avoided extensive use of decorative elements like talavera tiles, except for a minimal application in the kitchen, and chose muted colors. However, they integrated rich local decorative resources, using jute from Yucatán for curtains, linens from local cotton mills, and furniture sourced from regional antiques shops. Even the traditional lime-and-pigment paint was mixed with San Miguel dirt to achieve a warmer tone. Midy and Almada also designed furniture and accessories for the house, such as iron sconces, a leather cocktail table, and bed linens. They collaborated with Zavala to create trench-like fountains inspired by hacienda horse troughs. The project concluded after a year, with Gardner expressing immense satisfaction, declaring the house fit for a king. #MexicanDesign #ArtistStudio #SanMiguelDeAllende #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #SpanishColonial #ArchitecturalRestoration #CasaMidy #LuxuryHome

Studio MK27, led by architect and filmmaker Marcio Kogan, designed the Vista House, an 8,343-square-foot seaside villa in Trancoso, Bahia province, Brazil. Completed in early 2020, the residence is situated atop a 46-meter-high cliff, offering expansive views of the ocean and its escarpments. The design of the house was significantly influenced by its tropical environment and the need to frame the panoramic ocean vista, which the architects describe as being captured "like a wide-angle camera." The central feature of the Vista House is its impressive low-slung, gabled roof, measuring approximately 15 meters wide, 3.5 meters tall, and 60 meters long. This substantial wooden roof creates a sense of scale and protection, beneath which the living areas are strategically placed. The roof's exterior is clad in hand-carved wooden shingles, adding to the organic aesthetic, while the outer structure is wrapped in eucalyptus staves. The elongated volume of the roof delineates the horizontal proportions of the house, with its ends enclosing the kitchen and the primary bedroom. These two enclosed volumes serve as anchor points for the structure, while the space beneath the central portion of the roof is largely open to the environment, fostering an indoor-outdoor living experience. The main living areas are designed to be fluid and connected to the surrounding landscape. A notable aspect of the interior is the inclusion of four additional bedrooms housed within a smaller, interior volume. This inner structure is set back from the exterior walls and constructed from Viroc, a composite panel made from wood and cement. The Viroc panels function as folding screens, allowing the inner house to open completely or to be shuttered for privacy and climate control, providing flexibility in how the space is used. The architectural team carefully considered the interplay of Brazil's intense sunlight with the chosen materials. The perforated Viroc panels and the slender eucalyptus staves create dynamic patterns of light and shadow throughout the home. Furthermore, the expansive overhang of the gabled roof offers ample shade, enabling residents to comfortably enjoy the outdoors regardless of weather conditions. The interiors are characterized by a restrained palette of creamy tones and wood finishes, which contrast with the more organic, textured exterior. This polished interior design complements the softer, natural feel of the external cladding. The design philosophy of Vista House emphasizes a harmonious integration with its natural surroundings, utilizing local materials and an open plan to maximize views and outdoor living. The architectural execution ensures both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality, allowing for a deep connection between the inhabitants and the stunning Brazilian coastline. The project exemplifies Studio MK27's approach to creating residences that are deeply rooted in their context while offering modern, flexible living spaces. #BrazilianArchitecture #BeachHouseDesign #StudioMK27 #GabledRoof #IndoorOutdoorLiving #TropicalArchitecture #EucalyptusCladding #VirocPanels #ArchitecturalDesign

The article showcases a unique residential project by Fala Atelier in Matosinhos, Portugal, which redefines suburban architecture with an unconventional design. The house, spanning 2,580 square feet, features an inverted roof where one side is curved and the other straight, creating a distinct silhouette that stands out from typical suburban homes. The structure is described as an 'exploded box' resting on a translucent plinth. The exterior of the house employs a striking black, white, and green color palette, a signature of Fala Atelier, but with new and surprising elements. Different vertical and slanted surfaces are meticulously chosen and set apart with varying colors. The facade is punctuated by a mix of round and square windows, which are arranged to compose three distinct elevations, some evoking faces or imaginary animals. Adding to the playful aesthetic, the house incorporates blue and green shutters that can conceal the openings, giving it the appearance of a paper collage with colored figures scattered across a white canvas. The color scheme is elaborate, featuring hues of green, blue, light green, black, white, and green again. Inside the residence, the structural elements are intentionally detached from the walls. A sequence of five slender, light green concrete columns is prominently featured in different rooms, designed to subtly obstruct daily routines, emphasizing their presence as sculptural elements rather than hidden supports. Notably, one of these columns extends to the outdoor terrace, seemingly supporting nothing, which further highlights the architect's unconventional approach to structure and form. The ground floor hosts an open living space that seamlessly connects to the garden and an office situated above it. The interior's complexity is enhanced by double-height spaces, occasional kinks in the walls, and the visible concrete columns, all beneath a gently sloped ceiling. The upper floor houses the primary bedroom within an extruded quarter-circle space, adding another unique geometric dimension to the layout. The house's construction is a deliberate assembly of various surfaces—straight, folded, cut, curved, and tilted—crafted from materials such as concrete, marble, and glass brick. These surfaces divide, overlap, intersect, and cover different areas, all anchored by the bold, punching-through columns. The interior space is designed to meander between these carefully choreographed elements, creating a dynamic and engaging experience. The architectural concept defines the house as a figure that is simultaneously complete and broken, reflecting a deliberate disruption of conventional architectural norms. #FalaAtelier #PortugalArchitecture #ModernDesign #InvertedRoof #UniqueHomes #ArchitecturalInnovation #ColorfulFacade #ConcreteColumns #SuburbanRevolution

The Pérgola House, designed by Sidney Quintela Architecture + Urban Planning, is located in Praia do Forte, an old fishing village in Brazil known for its rustic charm and contemporary feel. Completed in 2021, this residential project spans an area of 750 square meters. The design addresses the client's desire for ample space to host friends and family, making large balconies a prominent feature. The architectural style blends contemporary aesthetics with tropical influences, emphasizing open spaces and a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor environments. A core design principle was to maximize natural light and ventilation throughout the house. This approach not only enhances the comfort of the inhabitants but also contributes to energy efficiency by reducing reliance on artificial lighting and air conditioning. The integration of the living spaces with the surrounding environment is a key aspect of tropical architecture, a style that prioritizes harmony with nature and climatic responsiveness. The project's location in Praia do Forte further dictates this emphasis, requiring designs that are adapted to the local climate, which typically involves warm temperatures and abundant sunlight. The project involved a dedicated team, with Sidney Quintela as the Architect In Charge. The team included Christianne Midlej, Lais Barreto, Sinval Neto, Thiara Maciel, and Jouse Sena. Their collaborative efforts focused on bringing the client's vision to life while adhering to the principles of sustainable and contextual design. The use of specific manufacturers such as Arqluz, Bizâncio, Bontempo, Básica Home, Home Design Casual, Oca Brasil, Portobello, and Tidelli suggests a commitment to quality materials and furnishings that complement the contemporary and tropical aesthetic of the house. Key materials used in the construction and finishing of Pérgola House include wood, which is often favored in tropical architecture for its natural beauty, durability, and ability to blend with the environment. The choice of wood also aligns with sustainable building practices when sourced responsibly. The house features elements like beams, decks, and pergolas, which are integral to its design and functionality, providing shade and defining outdoor living areas. The photographs by Manuel Sá capture various aspects of the house, including its exterior, facade, garden, courtyard, and interior spaces, highlighting the interplay of light, shadow, and materiality. The interior design includes spaces like a living room, dining area, and bedrooms, all designed to be open and inviting. Features such as large windows and open layouts promote cross-ventilation and allow natural light to penetrate deep into the living areas. The presence of stairs, sofas, tables, and specific lighting fixtures indicates a thoughtful approach to creating comfortable and functional spaces for both intimate family life and larger social gatherings. The emphasis on indoor-outdoor living is evident through design choices that blur the lines between these zones, creating a cohesive and expansive living experience. #ResidentialArchitecture #TropicalArchitecture #SustainableDesign #PraiaDoForte #Brazil #SidneyQuintela #ContemporaryDesign #NaturalLighting #Ventilation #WoodConstruction

This article highlights a 3,000-square-foot home in Los Angeles, along with its 400-square-foot Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU), designed by Shanty Wijaya and James Mulyadi from the firm Allprace. The design incorporates a soft interpretation of Catalan Modernism, also known as Modernisme, while honoring the home's original Spanish-style architecture, which is prevalent in the neighborhood. Unlike traditional Catalan Modernism, the design eschews elaborate stained-glass windows and mosaic-tiled exteriors in favor of a subtler approach. The residence maintains key characteristics of California-Spanish homes, such as an earthy color palette and smooth archways. However, the designers introduce distinct elements in the floors and ceilings to create visual interest and tension. For instance, the family room features a barrel-vaulted white oak ceiling, a bathroom showcases groovy Bibiena Variegato terracotta floor tiles, and the entry steps are adorned with a round Lucite baluster. These details intentionally shift focus from eye-level elements to the upper and lower architectural features. Wijaya shares several design insights from the renovation. The majority of the home's ceilings and walls are finished with European plaster, with some painted surfaces. The dining room, centrally located, acts as a focal point, featuring wallpaper with a detailed nature-landscape pattern in a neutral hue that aligns with the Catalan Modernism theme. Color is used impactfully, particularly in a bathroom where midnight port zellige tiles create a moody atmosphere. The texture and color of these tiles complement the wood ceiling and wall, adding depth to the space while keeping eye-level elements muted. Natural light is also thoughtfully integrated; in the guest bathroom, skylights complement a window, casting shadows that highlight the terracotta floor and add drama to the simple plaster walls. The ADU significantly enhances the property's value and functionality, offering flexibility for use as a guesthouse, office, or income-generating Airbnb. Throughout the main house, curves, arches, and geometrical designs are consistently applied, as seen in the round, curvy marble bullnose vanity in a bathroom, ensuring design cohesion. The barrel-vaulted ceiling serves as both an artistic element and a focal point, beautifully framing the view of the pool and complementing the cabana's ceiling, thus strengthening the indoor-outdoor connection. Regarding the budget, the biggest splurges were on high-quality finishes, including lighting, plumbing fixtures, appliances, and flooring. Conversely, a bio-ethanol fireplace in the living room represented a significant cost-saving measure. Wijaya particularly favors the Lucite stair baluster and the curved barrel-vaulted white oak ceiling, intending to reuse these unique, art-like details in future projects. #HomeDesign #SpanishStyleHome #CatalanModernism #ADUDesign #InteriorRenovation #ArchitecturalDetails #TerracottaTiles #NaturalLight #CustomFinishes

The author, Hanya Yanagihara, reflects on the concept of 'home,' noting that her transient upbringing across nine cities and 20 residences prevented her from associating the idea with a single physical space. Instead, her sense of rootedness is derived from an accumulation of specific details, rooms, furniture, and light from the various places she inhabited. This personal reflection introduces a broader exploration of diverse relationships with the notion of home, as presented in T Magazine's Design Issue. The article highlights several distinct examples of family residences, each offering a unique perspective on what constitutes a home. One featured residence is a mountain compound in Brazil, meticulously constructed by furniture designer Etel Carmona and her grown children. This compound is designed to accommodate three generations, balancing communal living with the need for individual privacy for each family member. This arrangement demonstrates a contemporary approach to multi-generational living, where shared spaces coexist with distinct personal areas. Another case study involves an English art dealer in Italy who decides to rededicate himself to Venice, a city with which he has a complex relationship. His new apartment, situated in a 17th-century palazzo, surprisingly turns out to be a place he was familiar with during his teenage years. This narrative explores the serendipitous return to a place that held previous personal significance, illustrating how history and personal memory can intertwine with one's definition of home. The story suggests that familiarity and a sense of connection can transcend the novelty of a new dwelling, transforming it into a deeply personal space. The cover story of the Design Issue focuses on the three residences created by the Swedish painter Carl Larsson and his wife, Karin, located north of Stockholm. Their first house, Lilla Hyttnäs, has been maintained by their descendants since the 1940s, with parts accessible to visitors and others remaining private. This home, more than a century after the Larssons' passing, continues to preserve their artistic legacy, furniture, and overall spirit, while also adapting to the improvisations and additions introduced by subsequent generations. This longevity and evolving nature of the Larsson home exemplify a living history, where a residence becomes a vessel for enduring family heritage and creative expression. The Larssons' original vision for their home was revolutionary for its time, rejecting the perceived monotony of bourgeois design characterized by dark furniture and neo-Renaissance styles. Instead, they championed folk art, craftsmanship, vibrant colors, and a sense of coziness. Their intention was to create an environment that felt inherently like a 'home,' rather than merely a 'house.' This distinction underscores the emotional and experiential qualities that define a true home, emphasizing comfort, personal expression, and a departure from conventional, often sterile, architectural norms. The article concludes by reinforcing the idea that a home is not just a structure but a dynamic entity shaped by personal histories, family connections, and artistic values. #HomeDesign #FamilyResidences #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalStyle #BrazilianDesign #VenetianApartment #SwedishArt #MultiGenerationalLiving