carvalho araujo architect's refugio montaria redefines mountain vernacular

carvalho araujo architects’ refugio montaria redefines mountain vernacular
image © hugo carvalho araújo
all images courtesy of carvalho araujo architects

in a rugged mountainous landscape traditionally dotted by small cottages and farms the most recent work of carvalho araujo architects. carving itself as a modest property overlooking the serra d’arga mountain range in northern portugal, ‘refugio montaria’, mountain refuge dwelling, is located on a steep terrain at the edge of the viano do castelo village, occupying the space of a ruin.

image © hugo carvalho araújo

the retreat recalls the architecture of the area offering a uniquely contemporary approach to the basic principles that governed vernacular design. the overall concept is centered around a pool that marks itself among the terrain, with the site’s inclined land accommodating the shelter itself below the cantilevered pool volume. the interior is composed of a living room / kitchen, a bedroom and a bathroom, with an elementary program organized around an interior courtyard that provides lighting and ventilation to all rooms.

image © hugo carvalho araújo

approach from the street
image © hugo carvalho araújo

driveway under the cantilever
image © hugo carvalho araújo

dining area
image © hugo carvalho araújo

living room
image © hugo carvalho araújo

central courtyard floods interior with natural light
image © hugo carvalho araújo

rooftop pool
image © hugo carvalho araújo

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project info:

architecture: carvalho araújo, arquitectura e design
team: josé manuel carvalho araújo, joel moniz, francisco vacas, ana vilar, tiago curado almeida, leandro silva, joão santos
project name: refúgio na montaria
date: 2010 – 2015
location: viana do castelo | portugal
landscape: jbjc – joão bicho e joana carneiro, arquitetura paisagista lda
structures: pedro alves
hydraulic: pedro alves
electrical: inovolt
communications: inovolt
security: pedro alves
security against fire: pedro alves
life safety: marta moniz
solid resides from construction and demolition: marta moniz
acoustics: diogo mateus (vagaeng)
lighting: alfilux (interior) / josé castro (exterior)
furniture: sirvent
contractor: josé castro & filhos, s.a.
photographer: ©hugo carvalho araújo