Architects: PAr Plataforma de ARquitectura
Area: 196 m²
Year: 2022
Photographs: JCS photography
Engineering: Eng Francisco Domingos
Contractor: João Álvaro Reis
City: Santarém
Country: Portugal
Vale Flores house, designed by PAr Plataforma de ARquitectura, is situated in a rural area atop a hill intersected by a pilgrim’s path. The project began with the intention of planting a garden, and the house was created to enjoy this garden. Emerging from the ruins of an old limestone structure, the house harmonizes with the surrounding nature, blending traditional materials with contemporary design.
In a rural area, a pilgrim’s path crosses a hill inhabited by few houses and many trees. At the top lies the plot, offering beautiful views of nature. The intention of planting a garden came first; the house was designed to enjoy this garden.
On the plot, there was a small ruin made of exposed limestone. The house emerged from the ruin by creating a roof slab large enough to cover a house and placing some punctual support volumes beneath it. The volumes are sparse, and the space between them is open, allowing nature to invade the house. The slab covers both interior and exterior spaces, blurring the boundaries between the building and nature. The ruin contains the service compartments, while the living and gathering spaces are entirely glazed, opening to the exterior.
The added volumes and slab are made of traditional Portuguese brick, resting on the limestone blocks of the ruin, highlighting the contrast between old and new. The inner spaces feature chalk-painted white walls and ceilings to reflect exterior light and brick heated floors to retain warmth. Bathrooms and kitchens have natural local limestone surfaces. Exposed solid wood elements complete the design, enhancing the house’s comfort.
Vale Flores house treasures local culture by using natural and traditional materials, placing architecture in dialogue with the surrounding landscape.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: Santarém, Portugal
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
