this adaptable house in southern portugal can transform into a hotel

in southern portugal, architects ricardo camacho and gilda camacho have completed the ‘EN125A22 house’, a three-storey dwelling embedded into the landscape. located near a prominent intersection in the algarve, the home has been designed to operate as a ‘mechanism’ that is able to recognize, use, and represent different types of mobility as the building’s program evolves over time.

all images by nelson garrido

comprising three storeys, the property is positioned partially below ground, with the lower levels colored a stealthy black. the scheme’s primary living accommodation is contained within a large white volume that appears to float above the remainder of the residence. this elevated box forms an enclosure that retains a sense of privacy and seclusion from its immediate surroundings.

the three-storey dwelling is embedded into the landscape

once the client’s family eventually moves out, the house will be turned into a hotel. with this in mind, a series of principles were established that relate to both the building’s current and future uses. firstly, as the house is elevated above the terrain, it offers both residents and potential guests sweeping views across the landscape — from the serra de monchique mountain range to the atlantic ocean.

the property is positioned partially below ground

meanwhile, internal space has been designed to be as open and as flexible as possible, and has been divided in two main programmatic areas: the public house with living room, kitchen and two bedrooms; and the inner house, which comprises the master bedroom, a single bedroom, laundry room, small kitchen, living room, and a cellar for wine storage. in addition, an elevator makes every level accessible by wheelchair.

the lower levels are colored a stealthy black

a large white volume appears to float above the remainder of the residence

the house offers sweeping views across the landscape

the façade can be adapted to increase privacy

a stairway connects each of the property’s levels

open plan living accommodation

the project is located in the southern portuguese town of vale de lousas

the design of the property references the region’s vernacular architecture

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project info:

name: house EN125A22
location: vale de lousas, algarve, portugal
type: single family house
completed: 2015
architecture: ricardo camacho, gilda camacho
structure: rochato-engenharia civil lda
MEP: luis camacho
construction: casa granturismo
photography: nelson garrido

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