House Canidelo
Year: 2009
Gross Floor Area: 319 m²
Location: Canidelo, Vila Nova de Gaia, Porto - Portugal

Located in Canidelo, this residence is the result of a rigorous geometric investigation centered on a 14x7 meter lot. The project is conceived as a unified architectural object, where the pure form of the square serves as the foundational matrix for both plan and elevation. By dividing the rectangular volume into two 7x7 meter cubes, the design establishes a clear spatial hierarchy based on mathematical fractions. Taking advantage of the site’s 3-meter topographical drop, the white concrete mass appears to levitate in suspension at one end while firmly landing at the other, creating a "surreal irony" where a heavy, stereotomic body seems to float and reflect light.

The materiality of exposed white concrete reinforces the pursuit of purity and structural honesty, allowing the building to be read as a solid block excavated by light. This "less is more" philosophy extends to the interior organization, where the program is distributed across three levels: private quarters on the first floor, entrance and social areas on the ground floor, and a lower level that integrates a garage and office. The project treats the semi-detached condition as an opportunity for unity—a "1 + 1 = 1" logic—where two distinct homes merge into a single, powerful volume. Through the rhythmic interplay of light, shadow, and rigorous alignments, the Canidelo House stands as a testament to professional integrity and the expressive power of minimalist architecture.