sandra micaela casinha's 'casa pátios de pétalas' blossoms in portugal

a ‘flower petal’ house is built outside porto

In the urban district of Gondomar, just east of Porto, Portugal, architect Sandra Micaela Casinha has unveiled her latest project, Casa Pátios de Pétalas. Shaped with the gentle curves of a flower, this unique single-family dwelling not only draws inspiration from the surrounding natural environment but also establishes a metaphorical connection with blossoming petals, its curving walls framing unique openings and enclosing elevated patios.

The dwelling is organized across two floors, with a central staircase serving as the focal point. The lower floor, flooded with natural light, showcases the shared spaces — living room, kitchen, and dining area — thoughtfully organized to be open and inviting, courtesy of the sliding full-height windows.

images © Ivo Tavares Studio | @ivotavaresstudio

Casa Pátios de Pétalas: interiors embraced by petals

Like a flower, Sandra Micaela Casinha Atelier designs its Casa Pátios de Pétalas to draw sustenance from the sun while protecting itself. With a U-shaped glass enclosure along the ground floor, the structure touches the ground lightly. The interior is sculpted by a curving structural wall along with the central stair. Meanwhile, the ‘flower petals’ envelop the entire upper floor with their sense of organic movement revealing openings and courtyards. The architects employ a limited material palette of white, aluminum, and glass to emphasize the presence of these walls.

Sandra Micaela Casinha Atelier designs the lower floor as a luminous glass volume, forming the lightweight foundation from which the petals grow. Here, glass, aluminum, and wood play a pivotal role in accentuating the organic white volume. Within the flower-like structure, the curving wall not only divides the spaces but also facilitates fluid transitions between different areas. The concept of an ‘open space’ is artistically explored while ensuring moments of autonomy and privacy.

soft spaces curated by Sandra Micaela Casinha Atelier

At the forefront of the Casa Pátios de Pétalas, three bedroom suites each open onto its own private courtyard, the sweeping walls creating a unique frame of the surrounding area. The team at Sandra Micaela Casinha Atelier curates the interiors to harmoniously echo the soft, natural architecture, showcasing a soft palette of neutral pastels. The furniture is chosen to likewise incorporate natural materials and understated elegance while textiles in neutral tones dominate the space.

luminous interiors glow through the curving ‘petal’ walls