A House With Sloped Facades Squeezed Between Cork Oak Trees

Somewhere inCelorico de Basto, in Portugal there’s a beautiful area where cork oak trees grow naturally and create a beautiful panorama. Because of that, this became a protected piece of land. It was still possible to build out here as long as the trees and most of the land remained untouched. That’s exactly the plan that studio Hugo Pereira Arquitetos had in mind when they started working on this project. 

The glass walls and the continuous floor tiles allow for a seamless transition between the indoor living areas and the adjacent patio
The glass walls and the continuous floor tiles allow for a seamless transition between the indoor living areas and the adjacent patio
A defining design feature for the house is the fact that it has sloped facades
A defining design feature for the house is the fact that it has sloped facades

The main goal of this project was to build out here a single-family residence with a modern design and a spacious interior. It was imperative for the house to fit between the existing trees and vegetation and to have a minimal impact on the surrounding landscape. Of course, the architects and their clients wanted to take advantage of this beautiful natural area and, as such, great respect was shown for nature throughout the entire project. 

These sloped facades made out of concrete allow the building to disguise itself and to transition into the landscape more easily
These sloped facades made out of concrete allow the building to disguise itself and to transition into the landscape more easily
The entire exterior of the house is built out of raw concrete which helps it fit into the context of this landscape
The entire exterior of the house is built out of raw concrete which helps it fit into the context of this landscape
A swimming pool and a wooden deck act as bridges between the house and the open green field
A swimming pool and a wooden deck act as bridges between the house and the open green field

The house ended up measuring 330 square meters in total which are spread across two floors. The upper floor is significantly smaller than the ground level and offers a wonderful observation spot from where to admire the gorgeous panorama that surrounds the house. The living room, kitchen and dining area are combined into an open space on the ground floor and they have access to a beautiful patio and a backyard filled with greenery. The ground floor also houses three lovely bedroom suites, all with big glass walls that let the beautiful view in and fill the rooms with color and an abundance of natural light. 

Lots of greenery, shrubbery and trees frame the house and help it blend in
Lots of greenery, shrubbery and trees frame the house and help it blend in
Seen from a distance, the house has an unusual layout which was chosen based on the position of the cork oak trees
Seen from a distance, the house has an unusual layout which was chosen based on the position of the cork oak trees
The layout and orientation of the house also favor the beautiful panoramas
The layout and orientation of the house also favor the beautiful panoramas
The black floor tiles inside the house are complemented by dark wood and marble surfaces
The black floor tiles inside the house are complemented by dark wood and marble surfaces
the three bedroom suites on the ground floor enjoy a nice view of the backyard area and the distant landscape
the three bedroom suites on the ground floor enjoy a nice view of the backyard area and the distant landscape
The full-height windows allow the rooms to receive plenty of sunlight and expose them to the beautiful nature
The full-height windows allow the rooms to receive plenty of sunlight and expose them to the beautiful nature
The materials and finishes used throughout the house are consistent which adds cohesion to the decor
The materials and finishes used throughout the house are consistent which adds cohesion to the decor
The kitchen and dining area have easy access outside and are also connected to the living room
The kitchen and dining area have easy access outside and are also connected to the living room
The stylish kitchen island seamlessly transitions into a floating entertainment unit for the living area
The stylish kitchen island seamlessly transitions into a floating entertainment unit for the living area