BRIEFING

 

The house is to be located in a five hectare hilly property on the outskirts of Évora partly covered by ancient olive and cork trees, with extensive views on the surrounding rural context.

 

The residence is to provide a strong level of privacy to the different members of the family and,  as well as the lounge and dining areas, it should also house a music room, a library, a guest house and a maid's room.

 

 

CONCEPT

 

Taking inspiration from the way the local marble rocks emerge from the ground and express in layers the geological compression at which they were subject to, the program for the house was organized in different parallelepiped volumes that were then assembled and litteraly “compressed” together. The resulting complex volume still expresses the original parts of the building, now deformed into fully complementary shapes.

 

Pushed slightly on the edge of one of the highest hills of the property the articulated shape of the house “grips” on to the top of the hill and forms a space that resembles an open patio from which the house will be accessed.

On the opposite side of the building's three main volumes are cantilevered over the edge of the hill and figuratevely and effectively capture different views on to the beautiful surrounding landscape.

 

 

2011- Project

 

Total built area: 550sq.m.