house within three gestures: fala atelier's geometric dwelling in portugal

a modern home completes in portugal

Situated on a corner suburban plot in Gondomar, Portugal, the House Within Three Gestures by Fala Atelier emerges as a unique response to a challenging site. The architects addressed the plot’s offsets and alignments, working with the inherent irregularities of the site, which ultimately informed the logic of the house. The need for a typical array of bedrooms dictated a grid-like structure, while the imperative to separate private and public spaces guided the overall layout.

images © Francisco Ascensao

a house unfolding across three gestures

As its name suggests, the design by Fala Atelier unfolds through three vital gestures that define the character of the house. Firstly, the roof takes on a tilted form, adding a dynamic aspect to the architecture. Secondly, the perimeter wall gracefully curves, introducing a sense of fluidity. Lastly, the main division is purposefully broken, contributing to the overall composition. These three gestures become the choreography which the architects employ to shape the spatial experience of the dwelling.

Fala Atelier addresses an irregular plot, employing offsets and alignments to navigate the irregularities

a geometric composition by fala atelier

Behind the stepped line of the main structure, secondary spaces find their place, creating a series of exceptions to the overall form. A notable example is the laundry room, which breaks free from the perimeter and transforms into a tower, defying expectations and adding an element of surprise to the composition. The house, therefore, becomes not only a functional living space but a narrative of architectural exploration.

The volume of the house is an intriguing assemblage of two distinct figures — an inclined half-circle and a slender spire. The surfaces, despite sharing the same color palette, never meet, creating a visual tension. The interplay of white, black, and blue hues revolves around the complex form, and a pink triangular chimney playfully lands on the slanted roof, adding a whimsical touch to the exterior.

the house is shaped by a sloping half-circle and a slender spire

On the street side, the house presents an even lineup of openings, reflecting the underlying grid of rooms. The curve is punctuated strategically, providing a singular window in the living space. The interior palette is characterized by a concise and orderly arrangement of materials — white walls interplay with wooden floors and concrete ceilings. Dark wood accents emphasize key edges, creating a sense of rhythm and cohesion within the living spaces.

the street side showcases a rhythmic lineup of openings, while a strategically placed window punctuates the curve

secondary spaces break free behind the main structure, with a laundry room occupying a tower

inside, a concise palette features white walls, wooden floors, and concrete ceilings

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project info:

project title: House Within Three Gestures

architecture: Fala Atelier | @fala.atelier

location: Gondomar, Portugal

design team: Filipe Magalhães, Ana Luisa Soares, Ahmed Belkhodja, Lera Samovich, Ana Lima, Joana Sendas, João Carlos Lopes, Anna Murisasco, Carina Pannatier
project team: Paulo Sousa (engineering), MP+PF (engineering), MRibeiro (contractor)
site area: 500 square meters
gross floor area: 180 square meters

photography: © Francisco Ascensao | @francisco.ascensao