Sobriety and elegance
On a plot in the peaceful town of Arrifana in Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal, and in a privileged and idyllic environment, studio Pedro Henrique Arquiteto has achieved a spacious family residence that blends into the decor with a contemporary touch on the archetypal house shape.
The house, articulated in two buildings in an archetypal form, sits on a plot high above street level and lined with trees, whose changing color palette indicates the passage of the seasons. This level change is used by the architect Pedro Henrique to create a parking space under the main house. The two volumes serve to separate the private sphere with the bedrooms from the public space with the living room, the dining room and the kitchen. They also benefit from separate orientations – perpendicular places – in order to obtain the best relationship between themselves and with their environment. The social area of the ground floor is extended to the outside and to the upper floor, creating different living spaces. The coziest place is next to a shared outdoor covered area, allowing natural light to flood the interior. The contrast between the raw concrete facades and the elegant interiors establishes an architectural dialogue that crosses the patios, skylights and staircases. In addition, outside, the large wooden enclosures ensure privacy when closed. In order to intensify the relationship with nature, the 420 m2 house evokes the simplicity and sobriety that characterize the environment. The whole exudes a serene atmosphere where life is good.
