The plot is located in the middle of a Santo Estevao, being the best views to the north with a lake and the skyline punctuated by cork oak trees. The house is organized in a compact volume of two floors, complemented by three courtyards all different in size and features. A first large courtyard, enclosed, intimate, situates on the south side, embracing a big existing cork oak. Next to the back entrance there is another smaller patio, for service. The third courtyard works as a key element in the relationship between home and the north side of a slim space with a large horizontal opening that frames the landscape. it has an atmosphere of a “inner space outdoors, the light is soft, by reflection on the outer wall that receives direct sunlight. This vertical courtyard communicates with a staircase that leads to an open terrace, the last element of the sequence of spaces, patios and atmospheres that go from more introspective and private to more open and outside.
courtesy FG+SG
courtesy FG+SG
courtesy FG+SG
courtesy Miguel Marcelino
+ Project facts
THREE COURTYARDS HOUSE
2009-2012, SANTO ESTÊVÃO, BENAVENTE,
PORTUGAL
Architecture: Miguel Marcelino
Collaboration: Pedro Dourado
Structural and Plumbing Engineering: Pedro Monteiro
Electrical Engineering: Orlando Sousa
Landscape Design: Ana Amaro
Phases: 2009-2010 (project), 2010-2012 (construction)
General Contractor: Campelo & Campelo
Gross Floor Area: 282m2
Gross Volume: 854m3
Building Footprint: 173m2
Building Footprint: 173m2
Energy Efficiency Class: A+
Location: Vila Nova de Santo Estêvão, Benavente, Portugal
Photographs: FG+SG | Fernando Guerra
+ All images courtesy FG+SG | Fernando Guerra
