minimalist residence in portugal explores the duality between solid and void space

Falésia D’El Rey House in portugal overlooks the Atlantic Ocean

Lisbon-based design duo Ivan de Sousa and Inês Antunes forming [i]da arquitectos completes the residential project of Falésia D’El Rey House located on the  Silver Coast, near the cliffs of Praia D’El Rey in Portugal. Characterized by the presence of the Atlantic Ocean, the building enjoys the seascape and the strong winds common to the area, while the Berlengas archipelago serves as its backdrop. Built parallel to the coastline, the project explores the duality of contemplation and openness to the scenery and the formation of a protected domestic environment. The house is composed of two overlapping volumes shaping solid forms and void spaces distributing outdoor courtyards throughout the plot.

all images by Fernando Guerra | FG+SG

L-shaped top volume and overlapped plinth form open terraces

The residence composes two overlapping volumes with different functions, with the lower level acting as a plinth that draws the most sheltered outdoor areas of the house, and the upper supported floor forming an L-shape open toward the natural landscape of the region. The top-level shapes a shaded transitional space between the garden and the patio. The plinth, distinguished by the strongest material and sand color, articulates the spaces from the East facing the entrance to the wide staircase that leads us to the West facing terrace-belvedere.

The roofed entrance of the house stands out for its materiality, while the garden, facing south, accommodates the solarium and the swimming pool in continuity with the staircase. The open patio plans a ten-by-ten plot distributing the common functions around it creating an intimate and protected outdoor zone. The terrace, in contrast with the enclosed space of the patio, opens onto the immensity of the ocean. The design team arranges the main private areas on the upper floor while assembling a leisure and living zone with a set of guest bedrooms downstairs.

the residence is built parallel to the coastline overlooking the Berlengas archipelago

Falésia D’El Rey House is composed of two overlapping volumes shaping solid forms and void spaces

the arrangement of the volumes shapes several open patios and courtyards

a large open terrace takes over the upper level nestling inside an L-shaped volume

a roofed staircase leads to the top-level framing the landscape views

project info:

name: Falésia D’El Rey House
designer: [i]da arquitectos | @ida_arquitectos – Ivan de Sousa | Inês Antunes

location: Óbidos, Portugal

photography: Fernando Guerra | FG+SG | @fernandogguerra