Vila do Conde - Porto
Year: 1996 - 1998
Gross Floor Area: 294 m²
Location: R. João da Afonseca Lapa, Vila do Conde

Located in Vila do Conde, this three-story semi-detached residence is defined by a bold volumetric play that responds to the site’s topography and the desire for privacy. The architectural composition is centered on a sleek parallelepiped volume that appears to rest weightlessly upon a robust stone wall, creating a striking contrast between contemporary lightness and traditional materiality. This upper structure houses the private and functional program, with the first floor dedicated to the bedrooms, while the ground floor accommodates the kitchen and a formal common room.

The house unfolds vertically to reveal a lower ground floor (Level -1) that acts as the heart of the home’s social life. Fully open to the exterior through expansive glazing, this level dissolves the boundary between the interior social areas and the private garden. The living room enjoys seamless views of the greenery, transforming the lower level into a light-filled sanctuary that remains protected from the street. By placing the primary social and leisure spaces in direct contact with the terrain, the project creates a tiered living experience that prioritizes both functional clarity and a deep connection to the outdoor landscape.