'house in estrela' by aires mateus features a parabolic concrete roof

in a neighborhood in the south of lisbon, portuguese studio aires mateus sites its ‘house in estrela.’ facing the 18th century basilica to the west, the concrete project is sited along a ridgeline overlooking the estuary of the tagus river to the south. due to the home’s multigenerational occupants, aires mateus embarked on the design of the house with the aim to facilitate the independence of the parents’ and their children’s lives. this is demonstrated through the two separate circulatory circuits, alternating between interior and exterior.

image by joão guimarães – JG photography

the dwelling presents a reinterpretation of the traditional streetfront house revived entirely, both inside and out, in face concrete. while the architectural language of the neighborhood displays a ubiquitous ornamental and material quality, aires mateus strips the townhouse typology of these elements to create an ultimately bare reduction. the relationship between the house and the neighboring fabric buildings is therefore elevated.

image by joão guimarães – JG photography

the rooftop terrace is partially enclosed with a roof in concrete, sculpturally cut by way of a cylindrical intersection. the parabolic edges of the roofline serve to define views of the basilica and river in either direction. a bowl-shaped pool on the terrace compresses the living room ceiling, organizing its space. horizontal transparency on the level of the street connects the garden and living room. the master bedroom is opened by a double height space with framed views over the garden while the children’s bedroom level opens onto to a corridor on one side and a balcony on the other.

image by joão guimarães – JG photography

image by joão guimarães – JG photography

image by joão guimarães – JG photography

image by joão guimarães – JG photography

image by joão guimarães – JG photography

image by joão guimarães – JG photography

image by joão guimarães – JG photography

image by joão guimarães – JG photography

image by joão guimarães – JG photography

image by joão guimarães – JG photography

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project info:

name: house in estrela
client: private
location: lisbon, portugal
date of project: 2012-2014
date of construction: 2014-2017
built area: 792 sqm
site area: 334 sqm
authors: manuel aires mateus / francisco aires mateus
project leader: joão esteves, inês potes
collaborators: helga constantino, sara calem
project leader interior design: maria rebelo pinto
engineering: safre
constructor: rosete construções