Water, Glass and Concrete Come Together in a Magnificent Lisbon Residence

Like a modern castle near the sea in Lisbon, a house of stone, concrete glass and wood has more leisure amenities than meets the eye. The solid construction is a barrier against the harsh Atlantic wind and incorporates enough glass to highlight the view of the golf course and sea. And, the patio features not just one pool but two — a traditional style pool and the second a glass-bottomed, second-story show stopper.

Created by Guedes Cruz Arquitectos, the house is fronted by a concrete facade and surrounded by a low hedge of native shrubs, trimmed to complement a contemporary design. The house numbers and walkway are elements that provide a hint of the modern interior and special exterior lounging areas.

Night exterior view wall house
Natural plantings work for the surroundings and can withstand the winds.
Once past the hedges, the walkway leads to the modern front entrance.

The modern concrete front belies the natural beauty behind the house, facing the golf course. Verdant grass and layers of plantings in sand-covered planting beds connect the structure with the landscape.

Night exterior view wall house

Around the corner is the highlight of the house: A double pool system that positions a second pool above the main one. The second level pool has a glass bottom, allowing water-focused light to enter the main area and providing a view of swimmers from below.

The dual pools create an outdoor entertaining area without par.
The dual pools create an outdoor entertaining area without par.
The upper pool is an unusual and stunning feature of the home.
The upper pool is an unusual and stunning feature of the home.

The main patio area around the pool has wonderful views of the golf course and ocean, with plenty of space for dining and lounging on the modern white furniture. The construction of the area forms a space that feels delineated yet open to the outdoor landscapes.

Surrounded by green grass and plantings the concrete areas do not seem at all sterile.
Surrounded by green grass and plantings the concrete areas do not seem at all sterile.
The view from the pool is all water and blue sky.
The view from the pool is all water and blue sky.

Those who lounge on the patio are quite literally surrounded by water — below, above and in the distance. It’s the perfect environment for water lovers as the relaxing vibe permeates the entire outdoor space. The modern design is definitely softened by the inclusion of the water in the novel pool design.

The view from below is like looking into a fish tank above -- just with people in it.
The view from below is like looking into a fish tank above — just with people in it.

Beyond the pool area, the house makes the most of its surroundings by using native plant materials that not only fit with the landscape, but are also very low maintenance. This is particularly good for dry summers when native plantings are sturdier. The concrete construction uses a large amount of glass to capitalize on the views and bring plenty of light into the interior of the home.

The glass wall reflects the trees, grass and sky.
The glass wall reflects the trees, grass and sky.
Minimalist, functional surfaces like this work with the style of the structure.
Minimalist, functional surfaces like this work with the style of the structure.
Counterweights help balance the weight of the house components.
Counterweights help balance the weight of the house components.
Native grasses are low maintenance and hardy additions to a garden.
Native grasses are low maintenance and hardy additions to a garden.
The natural landscape plays a role in the design.
The natural landscape plays a role in the design.

Just as the pools run perpendicular to one another at the back of the house, the crisscrossing elements of the walkway and concrete support structures have a similar geometry. The hillside yard features small paving stones that provide a design element as well as a structure that controls rainwater flow and erosion.

The checkerboard pattern is a visually pleasing way to deal with run-off.
The checkerboard pattern is a visually pleasing way to deal with run-off.
The landscape underneath the walkway is desert-like and natural.
The landscape underneath the walkway is desert-like and natural.

The interior of the house is sided by glass walls, which make it feel at one with the outdoors. Plentiful natural light opens up the hallways, causing them to seem wide open and airy. A minimalist modern design lets the landscape and outdoor elements shine.

Glass walls make every part of the house seem expansive.
Glass walls make every part of the house seem expansive.
Recessed lights make a close-in space feel as if it has plenty of outside light.
Recessed lights make a close-in space feel as if it has plenty of outside light.
Night exterior view wall house
The transition from outside to inside is nearly seamless.

Amid all the areas for relaxation are some stunning, highly functional spaces like the kitchen. Also very modern and bright, the kitchen features modern seating, a large central island and all the latest appliances. The minimalist, handle-less design contributes to the sleek style and clean appearance. Floating cabinets also make the space seem more open without the bulk of cabinetry sitting directly on the floor.

Recessed lights make a close-in space feel as if it has plenty of outside light.
Dark tiling on the exterior of the house highlights the all-white kitchen interior.
Part of the kitchen is bordered by the concrete structure outside
Part of the kitchen is bordered by the concrete structure outside

The view from the house is of the pool area, and from this window, it is of the concrete and wood structure that provides privacy. The lounging area is completely shielded from the landscape, offering the utmost in privacy to this end of the pool.

Low, modular furnishings keep sight lines open and extend the modern feel.
Low, modular furnishings keep sight lines open and extend the modern feel.

From the main level, a clean, neutral-toned wooden stairway leads to the bedroom level of the home, where there is access to additional private lounging areas as well as the second level swimming pool.

Linear and minimal, the stairway is an inconspicuous entry to the upstairs
Linear and minimal, the stairway is an inconspicuous entry to the upstairs

Once upstairs, a marvelous vista unfolds. The bedroom has an expansive private deck area and amazing view. A glass wall that open to the deck features voluminous drapes for privacy and darkness. The space overlooks the grassy courtyard and main pool deck below.

A natural wood pergola covers the deck, offering a bit of shade and plenty of sky view.
A natural wood pergola covers the deck, offering a bit of shade and plenty of sky view.
Low lounges are perfect for stretching out and napping or entertain a few special family members.
Low lounges are perfect for stretching out and napping or entertain a few special family members.
Modular furniture in the pool area can accommodate plenty of guests.
Modular furniture in the pool area can accommodate plenty of guests.

The bathrooms in the home are also spacious with a minimalist sensibility. This long, narrow bathroom features a full vanity area cordoned off from the extra-large shower by a glass wall. An inset shelf helps keep bathroom clutter to a minimum yet offers enough shelf space in the shower.

An all-white room and plenty of glass make for a modern bathroom.
An all-white room and plenty of glass make for a modern bathroom.
A second bathroom features glass, a full tub and spacious vanity area.
A second bathroom features glass, a full tub and spacious vanity area.

At the other end of the house, a glass-sided garage is reachable via a spectacular spiral staircase. The see-through wall is perfect for highlighting a collectible or luxury car. The staircase itself is also a stunning design element and the view from the top is extra special.

Low, natural plantings between the house and garage enhance the glass feature.
Low, natural plantings between the house and garage enhance the glass feature.
From the top, the spiral staircase has a wonderful geometric design.
From the top, the spiral staircase has a wonderful geometric design.
Exterior walkways have the same wide, open feel.
Exterior walkways have the same wide, open feel.
The stairway has a wonderful close-up view of the upper pool.
The stairway has a wonderful close-up view of the upper pool.
The concrete walls and upper pool are spectacular design features.
The concrete walls and upper pool are spectacular design features.
The shape of the MDF La Grade aluminum table mimics the concrete sections.
The shape of the MDF La Grade aluminum table mimics the concrete sections.
At night the angles take on new dimensions.
At night the angles take on new dimensions.
The walkway is illuminated by recessed lighting along the base.
The walkway is illuminated by recessed lighting along the base.
The nighttime poolscape is perfect for entertaining or for a relaxing swim on a hot night.
The nighttime poolscape is perfect for entertaining or for a relaxing swim on a hot night.

A night view of the house from the exterior reveals the design and how it is possible to see through the structure while the glass reflects the outdoor landscape. It is relaxing, cozy and open all at the same time.

The modern structure is sedate and blends well with the landscape.
The modern structure is sedate and blends well with the landscape.

Overall, the home is a fortress of luxury for water lovers. It sports plenty of relaxation areas that can double as entertaining space when necessary. The rest of the home is a prime modern retreat for those who love the outdoors and a spectacular view.