A Nature-Inspired House Near Praia Grande Beach

Comprising 5 volumes with distinguished orientations strategically arranged around a swimming pool, a house near the Praia Grande beach appreciates the natural habitat of the existing pine trees and the topography.

House in Praia Grande by Atelier Data, Photo by Raymond John Seymour

House in Praia Grande by Atelier Data, Photo by Raymond John Seymour 

Due to the site’s topography, which is full of pine trees, this house is divided into five volumes placed on different levels following the site’s contour, each facing different orientations. This arrangement creates a disconnection between each volume which is then solved by adding new volumes connecting them. Meanwhile, due to the site’s contour, each volume has a different flooring level which is then advantaged as an additional living space. It also benefits in presenting a distinguished spatial experience.

House in Praia Grande by Atelier Data, Photo by Raymond John Seymour 

Once entering the house, the service area located in the northern part is a place for the kitchen, pantry, washroom, and laundry. Other volumes that are destined for the living space are divided into two parts which can be accessed through this service area. From the front door, when turning right through the hall, an office room with a nice mezzanine. Continuing walking until the edge is a bedroom with wide space and a bathroom. 

Floorplan

Section 

Meanwhile, the other two volumes are accessed through the kitchen area. Adjacent to the kitchen area, the living room with different flooring levels welcomes the inhabitants with its warm and cozy atmosphere. The dining room, outdoor seating area, and piano corner are placed on the higher level. Walking down the stairs, a living room offers a nice and cozy gathering area with a view of the outdoor terrace. Connected by a hall, another bedroom offers the same quality as the first one with similar views towards the central yard. 

The kitchen, Photo by Raymond John Seymour 

The office, Photo by Raymond John Seymour 

The bedroom, Photo by Raymond John Seymour 

The living room, Photo by Raymond John Seymour 

The bathroom, Photo by Raymond John Seymour 

The central yard is filled with pine trees and a swimming pool which presents an infinite natural view. This swimming pool also presents the sea breezes of Praia Grande not too far from this house. Besides its location near the Praia Grande beach, this site also offers a beautiful view of the Serra de Sintra (Serra Mountains). With this potential, each facade of the volume is designed with particular glass windows facing toward the beautiful surroundings. 

House in Praia Grande by Atelier Data, Photo by Raymond John Seymour 

House in Praia Grande by Atelier Data, Photo by Raymond John Seymour 

This house also incorporated materials that ensured a raw and rough appearance which is in line with the project’s originality. The exterior are covered by fluted metal sheets and is finished with a gray cork that provides a natural and irregular appearance. Inside, the floors and walls are covered in light gray micro cement to add a touch of simplicity. Meanwhile, glass materials blur the boundaries between the indoors and outdoors. The inclined roof  with sloping surface down towards the central yard blends perfectly with all the materials. Which results in complementing the visual appearance that looks harmonious with the existing natural ecosystem. 

House in Praia Grande by Atelier Data, Photo by Raymond John Seymour 

House in Praia Grande by Atelier Data, Photo by Raymond John Seymour 

House in Praia Grande by Atelier Data, Photo by Raymond John Seymour