Architects: AZO. Sequeira Arquitectos Associados
Area: 6458 ft²
Year: 2024
Photographs: Nelson Garrido
Manufacturers: Focus
Products Used in This Project: Fireplaces – Gyrofocus by Focus
Category: Houses
Project Team: Mário Sequeira, Pedro Soares, Jorge Vilela, João Alves
Engineering: Alberto Ribeiro
Landscaping: AZO Architects
City: Braga
Country: Portugal
House in Vila Real residential project designed by AZO. Sequeira Arquitectos Associados in Vila Real, Portugal adapts to a sloped site overlooking the Serra do Marão through two intersecting volumes that follow the natural terrain. The sculptural massing, shaped by sloped roofs, draws from traditional regional forms to connect with the Trás-os-Montes landscape. Built with exposed concrete and natural stone floors, the house balances contemporary expression with local context. A central courtyard with a tree forms a scenic entry, while interior gardens strengthen the relationship with nature. Aluminum slatted shutters on the upper windows reference local granary structures, embedding cultural identity into the facade. Moreover, an infinity pool is positioned to reflect the surrounding views, reinforcing the house’s integration with its environment. The pitched roof respects vernacular traditions while contributing to the overall architectural composition.
Positioned on sloping terrain with expansive views of the Serra do Marão, the house integrates into the Trás-os-Montes landscape through two volumes that adapt to the natural incline, forming a sculptural arrangement of intersecting shapes. These volumes align with the gradient of the land, organizing into two substantial blocks that engage with the topography. The triangular forms created by the sloped roofs introduce a distinct spatial dynamic, recalling the traditional rooflines of the region and reinforcing the home’s connection to local identity.
Built using exposed concrete and natural stone flooring, the house achieves a balance between modernity and the natural environment, with its orientation thoughtfully aligned with the surrounding landscape. Entry is through a courtyard featuring a central tree, establishing a scenic and inviting atmosphere upon arrival. Inside, an interior garden further strengthens the connection between the architecture and nature.
The upper windows are fitted with aluminum slatted shutters that recall the design of traditional local granaries, adding cultural references drawn from the region. Moreover, an infinity pool is strategically placed to reflect the surrounding landscape like a mirror, creating a seamless visual connection between the interior and exterior. The sloped roof, influenced by vernacular architecture, not only honors the rural context but also enhances the sculptural presence of the house.
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Project Location
Address: Braga, 4700-000, Braga District, Norte Region, Portugal
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
