The talented team at stu.dere skillfully crafted Casa Ponte in Portugal, with the goal of flawlessly blending the house into the enchanting contours of the surrounding landscape. The narrow and elongated configuration of the site played a significant role in determining the volumetric design of the house. The primary objective was to capitalize on the surrounding landscape by elevating the structure and utilizing the two access points to the site, resulting in the creation of a bridge-like structure that the building itself traverses.
A striking feature of the design is the large concrete roof that elegantly rests upon two lightweight boxes made of polycarbonate. This design element not only defines the contours of the house but also imparts a sense of suspension. By adopting this innovative approach, the architects aimed to provide an intelligent response to the local regulations mandating sloping roofs.
The exterior of the house is characterized by clean lines and a minimalist aesthetic. The combination of concrete, aluminum slats, and polycarbonate materials allows for a seamless integration of different elements without the need for additional layers. The design thoughtfully directs the focus towards the lush green forest in the distance, while ensuring privacy through the elevated position of the house.
In terms of the interior experience, the guiding principles were centered around creating fluidly connected spaces that seamlessly extend to the outdoors, blurring the boundaries between the two. The two volumes clad in polycarbonate house the more private areas of the house, ensuring a greater degree of privacy, while the glazed sections welcome the social areas. The choice of wooden flooring in the private spaces and microcement in the social areas provides a sense of continuity with the concrete slabs used in the exterior design.
The residence brethes through its expansive windows, which not only allow light to enter but also establish a direct link with the surrounding gardens. This design feature enables occupants to remain indoors while maintaining a sensory and visual connection with the external environment.
The social areas of the house, in particular, embrace varying ceiling heights facilitated by the hipped roof. This deliberate exploration of heights aims to generate a sense of hierarchy and dynamism within these spaces, while an additional architectural element in the form of a large rectangular oculus on the roof permits ample natural light to permeate the area. Consequently, this interplay of light enhances the overall elegance of the space and fosters a seamless sense of continuity.
Overall, the stu.dere architecture office studio has successfully executed the Casa Ponte project, showcasing their expertise in seamlessly integrating architecture with the natural landscape while prioritizing functionality and aesthetic appeal.