Flower House Featuring A Kitchen Countertop Which Doubles As A Floor

In the heart of a heritage neighborhood in Portugal, abutting historic semi-crumbling structures, arises the beautifully honest contemporary Flower House. With its clean and unassuming lines, constructed of materials that reference historical surroundings, and white exterior, the modern home is both surprising and at ease in its exterior position.

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Inside the 120-sq-m (around 1080-sq-ft) house is a delightful study of unconventionally functional architecture. Due to its unique configuration, the main floor includes countertops that share the floor level and built-in sofa seating that is below floor level. Stairs facilitate the interesting layout’s functionality and allow for a virtually wall-free space.

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A steep and efficient curved wood staircase (some might call it more ladder than staircase) lead us to the second story. This is where natural light and inspiring views are strategically available, whether through a cluster of circle windows or large doorway openings. Maintaining the minimalist design aesthetic of the first floor, the deceptively simple second story includes a tiny floor-bed bedroom that opens onto a picturesque balcony. Built-in shelves and seating upstairs are crafted of the same materials as the main floor.

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Light woods and white walls permeate the home, which provides warmth and a sense of visual serenity despite the hard angles and edges of contemporary design. Of course, there is an exception here or there (such as a lovely blue bedroom, “hidden” by a wooden door and doorframe that blend in with the rest of the house) that adds a punch of personality.

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If walls could talk, I imagine that the mantra of the Flower House would be, “Less is More…Refreshing.” Because even without all the extras, this unique contemporary home seems a breath of fresh air.{found on archdaily and images by João Ferrand}.