Rectangular Abode

By Marina Correa

Photography: Fernando Guerra (FG + SG); courtesy the architects

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Architectural firm Humberto Conde has designed a rectilinear summer residence that dramatically contrasts its neighbours’ in the historical urban area of Parede, Portugal…

Access to the two-storey house is via an inclined ramp that shifts focus from a seemingly nondescript exterior to instantaneously engage the visitor with its open interior-scape. 

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A play of light and shadow animates spaces with the shifting incidence of the sun as the home is based along the east-west axis.  In turn, both the bedrooms and bathrooms on the first floor receive natural light and ventilation throughout the day.

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A third bedroom on the second level enjoys daylight and a strong relationship with the terrace facing the West, where a singular tree peeps up from a small enclosed simulation of courtyard and adds a touch of greenery.

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As the home dialogues with nature, the living room establishes a close relationship with the garden and the swimming pool beyond. Detailing is closely attended to, where, for instance, a small patch of soil is covered in white pebbles to align with the home’s pristine white façade.

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While the wooden flooring exudes warmth to an all-white shell, it also speaks volumes about the excellent juxtaposition of wood and white. Colour is gently infused through soft furnishings, functional accessories and furniture pieces.

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In keeping with the overall style, minimalist design sensibilities abound with even the clean, straight lines of the furniture being hand-picked to blend in; while the whiteness of the space adds on to the almost perfectly articulated chiaroscuro elements.

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Interestingly, turning the interior into a completely sealed rectangular block are fully collapsible windows that impart a strong character to the house. When open, the window panel folds in two to form an awning - making for a delightfully, differently-aligned home that in its simplicity and sleek contemporaneity, promotes a nonchalant dialogue with its surrounding area.