A Minimalist House Takes In The Magnificent Views Of Southern Portugal

In Southern Portugal there’s a remote little village in a region surrounded by mountains and valleys and out here amid wonderful, lush landscape there’s a stunning house built by Vitor Vilhena Arquitectura in 2018. The plot wasn’t empty and this contemporary house was actually built on the ruins of an old structure.

The flat roof doubles as an outdoor social area and offers amazing 360 degree views of the surroundings
The flat roof doubles as an outdoor social area and offers amazing 360 degree views of the surroundings

The site presented many advantage, the most important of which were the views of the wonderful landscape unfolding all around it. The best place to enjoy this amazing scenery from is up on the roof where there’s also a quite unique swimming pool.

The internal spaces are bright and open, with full-height windows and minimal obstructions
The internal spaces are bright and open, with full-height windows and minimal obstructions
The house cantilevered at one end, featuring a slight angle
The house cantilevered at one end, featuring a slight angle
The overall design and architecture are minimalistic, abstract and sculptural in a sense
The overall design and architecture are minimalistic, abstract and sculptural in a sense
The house is surrounded by valleys, mountains and two reservoirs
The house is surrounded by valleys, mountains and two reservoirs

Apart from a desire to maximize the views, the architects and their clients agreed that the house should also put an emphasis on natural light, more exactly on the amount that enters the house and its impact on the architecture, interior design and ambiance. That being said, the E-facing facade can open up completely to let the outdoors in. The interior spaces are organized into two main sections: the day zone which includes social functions such as the living room, kitchen and dining area and the night zone which contains the bedrooms and service areas. This distinction takes advantage of the building’s orientation and overall form and structure.

The E-W orientation maximizes the impact that the natural light and views have on the house
The E-W orientation maximizes the impact that the natural light and views have on the house
The interior design is simple, bright and very welcoming thanks to the harmonious palette of colors and finishes
The interior design is simple, bright and very welcoming thanks to the harmonious palette of colors and finishes
A neutral and bright color palette ensures an open and welcoming ambiance even in the smaller spaces
A neutral and bright color palette ensures an open and welcoming ambiance even in the smaller spaces
A set of tall and narrow windows open up the bedroom to the wonderful panorama while maintaining an intimate ambiance
A set of tall and narrow windows open up the bedroom to the wonderful panorama while maintaining an intimate ambiance
From the rooftop one can enjoy 360 degree views of the beautiful and lush surrounding landscape
From the rooftop one can enjoy 360 degree views of the beautiful and lush surrounding landscape