waataa completes quinta do carregal house in portugal

in a seemingly infinite territory mostly occupied by pines and oaks, the implantation of the quinta do carregal house in portugal by architectural studio waataa marks a space and an intention. this project materializes a perennial refugee that transforms and adapts itself to the site’s conditions and to the family that inhabits it.

house designation carved on the concrete wall

for waataa, the house does not begin at the physical limits of its walls, but rather at the outer boundary of the green patch that surrounds it — defining it as imaginary walls that make up a habitat. this vegetated area, or better, this forest, is therefore assumed as the transition space between the outdoors and interior (housing).

the entrance axis offers a clear view through the entire house

the concrete volume sets up and gives shape to a boundary defined by courtyards that are outlined via the interior of the house. in other words, it is the empty space trimmed and subtracted from the built volume. this design favors the organization and hierarchy of areas inherent to the design, as well as increases the contact perimeter with the forest. this close contact with nature provides a dwelling of peace, rest and visual comfort. 

eyesight can cross several rooms and spaces until reaching the exterior

carved yards frame natural views and bring them closer to the house

kitchen with a skylight over the dining table, marking the meal moment

detail of the bathroom showing the skylight effect over the bathtub

the warm colored wood  contrasts with the cold and raw concrete 

the design explores diagonal lines, alignments and perspectives

the wall becomes the house while three volumes rest on top of it like a natural observation point

light and shadow effects enhance the poetics of the space

ground floor plan.

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lea zeitoun | designboom