'house in arouca' is a rustic interpretation of traditional granary

a rustic getaway nestled in the greenery of Arouca

The Granary House, designed by Marta Brandão and MIMA housing, is a minimalist dwelling hidden in the verdant landscape of Arouca, Portugal. The design team sought to maintain the initial character of the pre-existing building, which lived as a granary, all the while creating an architecture that blends gently into its natural setting. The lush terrain overlooking a river becomes the perfect backdrop to host the residence, forcing a more intimate experience with nature.

Taking its cues from the vernacular architectural language, the resulting composition presents itself as a rustic expression of the traditional granary. Seamlessly imbued with minimalistic touches, the design unfolds under a gable roof, made with the reuse of aged slate extracted from local ruins. Clothed in delicate, darkened wooden shutters, the breathable facade can change its character, enriching different experiences inside. The sun peeks through the facade, rendering a poetic interplay of light and shadows. all images by José Campos

a permanent dialogue between in and out

The Granary House is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life, where guests can come closer to nature. Marta Brandão, the co-founder of MIMA housing, considered materials to create a feeling of seamless cohesion between the Granary House’s indoor and outdoor spaces. Seeking to dilute the limit between in and out, the team employed sliding wooden shutters to the south, transforming the facade into a living and changing body. Curating the interior, many elements of local tradition come into play, making the dwelling more authentic. Evoking hues of the surroundings, the color palette is limited to muted colors, avoiding excess gestures. Natural and artificial harmoniously coexist, without one overshadowing the other.

‘The interior of the house invites its residents to linger,’ say the architects. Entering the dwelling, the abundance of natural wood, combined with the mineral beige-earth of the microcement creates a welcoming atmosphere. The presence of the fireplace adds to the overall warmth and creates a cozy niche for relaxation. A spiral staircase doubles as a sculpture in the heart of the living room, and visually interrupts the otherwise neat interior, adding a playful mood. Moving upwards, the master bedroom is nestled under the sloping roof, with generous ceiling height. A narrow balcony runs throughout the bedroom, culminating in the outdoor terrace, where sofas and a small swimming pool are integrated into the structure.

the facade converts into a living and changing element