bica arquitectos combines two contiguous volumes into 'house in alentejo' in rural portugal

bica arquitectos has combined two single-story volumes into ‘house in alentejo’, a rural residence in aldeia do freixo, portugal. the dwelling exists in harmony with its surroundings, while the hues of the site’s extensive meadow in the high temperature months informs the color palette of the project. a pool in the shape of a traditional irrigation tank and a sheltered outdoor porch comprise the exterior spaces of the project, while its interiors are characterized by high ceilings and large windows that offer broad views of the meadow.all images by fernando guerra | FG+SG

set on a terrain that extends in a slope, the house emerges in the background and defines the boundaries of the site, at its lowest point. bica arquitectos has developed it as two contiguous volumes that are separated by a small courtyard with a tree in the center. at the edge, the volume is released from the ground and only the roof is maintained to protect an outdoor porch area that is adjacent to the pool. an extensive meadow connects the two heights of the site, while informing the color palette of the project. 

the first volume of the house encloses the private area, with three bedrooms and a kitchen, while the social area, where the living and dining rooms are located, is placed in the second volume. the two are connected by a corridor that also serves as the main entrance of the house and as a connection to the courtyard. the whole building, interior and exterior, is coated with a lime-based mortar on the walls and traditional curved tiles on the roof, ensuring harmony and uniformity. under the slope of the roof, the spacious interiors benefit from high ceilings and the broad views residents can enjoy through the large windows.

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project info:

name: casa no alentejo

architect: inês cortesão / bica arquitectos

collaboration: pedro tomé

total floor area: 362 m2

location: aldeia do freixo – redondo, portugal