grupo zegnea opens the 'box XL houses' towards nature in portugal

grupo zegnea has completed an array of seven linear houses overlooking the nature in guimarães, portugal. dubbed the box XL houses, the structures are composed of a single mass and have been arranged in a way that relates directly to its surrounding landscape. the aim of the project was to achieve a balance between the constructed and the natural, and the mass and the void, in order to create a peaceful and continuous dialogue between these two opposing realities, enhancing each other.

all images by joão morgado

when setting the plot, grupo zegnea divided the site in order to allow for the creation of spaces between the constructed masses, obtaining a visual permeability with the landscape. the interiors feature a practical design, where the spaces naturally adapt a functional program. the garage, entrance and storage area can be found on the lower level which is accessed from a private road specially constructed for the developed. the ground level features all living spaces, including three bedrooms, kitchen, dining and living area, as well as access to outside amenities like the pool.

the box XL houses feature both clarity and pragmatism expressed throughout the construction and material options. the choice of materials was studied in order to evidence the fluidity of the space, highlighting the natural and successive continuity of its uses. on the other hand, the exterior seeks a succession of pure volumes, with raw materials, counterpointing to the green spaces and natural elements of its surroundings, enhancing its relationship.

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project info:

project name: box XL houses
architect’s firm: grupo zegnea
project location: guimarães, portugal
completion year: 2019
gross built area: 4658 m2
lead architects: hugo lobo, eugénio ribeiro
collaborators: antónio póvoas, diogo rodrigues, mariana rodrigues, duarte ramos, sandra sanroque, rita poças
photo credits: joão morgado