Located in Calhau, São Vicente, the plot is situated behind an old family home. It is accessed by a common entrance shared with the old house to the east, and by a future entrance on the opposite side to the west. These two access points, along with the relationship to the old house, defined the basic concept of the project. The house is designed to be inward-facing, opening only towards the two interior courtyards, and it rises in two volumes: one with a porch facing the sea and the other with a bedroom facing the volcano. The plot is partially occupied, leaving space around it to highlight its blind volumetry.

 

The terrain's low water table required certain structural precautions. Consequently, the entire house will be raised on a structure of concrete beams and pillars, properly waterproofed to counteract the strong effects of the local sea air.

 

The building has two floors. The ground floor is organized around two patios that provide access to the house. The first patio, with an entrance from the east facing the sea, runs the length of the building and provides access to the social space (living room, kitchen, and service bathroom), a small storage room, and the stairs to the roof. The second patio, on the west side, features a large living area with a swimming pool, which connects to the bedrooms on this level (two standard bedrooms with a shared bathroom and a suite with a private bathroom and pool view). This patio also provides access to the house's social area and another suite on the first floor.

 

The first floor consists of two volumes that extend from the ground floor. In terms of function, the first volume (accessible from the first patio) is a porch with a view of the sea to the east. The second volume, accessed from the second patio, is a suite with a private bathroom and views of the Calhau volcano.

 

Location. Calhau, São Vicente

Date. 2017

Architecture. Ângelo Lopes

Renders. Gilardi Reis

Phase. Licensing