House Madalena I Vila Nova de Gaia

Pure cantilevers

The design composition is a series of overlapping, pure forms carefully arranged to create a visual barrier between the house’s interior spaces and the street, while maximizing the residents’ privacy.

Morphological features

The house is made of natural materials in earthly tones. The first-floor volume is cantilevered, marking, and emphasizing the entrance and inviting visitors to transcend the solid, feature wall, which is interrupted by a gap that reveals the depth of the plot and the house. This morphological gesture reinforces the sense of impermeability.

Functional layout

When crossing the entrance, the house gradually reveals itself. Its interior spaces differ from the exterior, rigid shell, becoming open, social areas with well-defined programs that enhance social interaction. Large glass windows, extend this open-plan layout towards the exterior garden, taking advantage of its western orientation.

Creating privacy through forms

The master bedroom is located on the most private corner of the ground floor, maintaining access to an exterior space through a small patio. On the first floor, there are two en-suite bedrooms and an office, opening to two private patios. These exterior spaces cut through the uniform, tight volume, guaranteeing privacy as well as protecting the spaces from direct sunlight.