This project involves the construction of a new large family house and pool in Praia Del Rey, just outside the historic town of Obidos, Portugal.

 

The site is a relatively small plot with a few mature pine trees over looking the famous golf course in Praia Del Rey. The clients brief was for a sustainable four bedroom house, large lounge and dining rooms opening onto terrace, guest wing, kitchen and large utility, separate plant room, underground car park and infinity pool.

 

Our approach to the design of the house was to maximise the views over the golf course and sea, create seamless interaction of the entertainment spaces with the external terrace and pool, design in accordance with the strict Portuguese design criteria, create a sustainable home that requires little maintenance  and reduced running costs. We designed a set of white blocks which are stepped up the hill with strategic landscaping which blends it into the surrounding hillside.

 

We secured permission with the local Camara and teamed up with a local Architects and engineer Ricardo Martins and Emanuel Placido to oversee the on site work. The building is entered off the street via a bridge under the retained pine trees into a central hallway which has the staircase to the first floor and access to the underground car park and plant room. Off the hallway is the central kitchen which links to dining/garden room  and the large lounge. Off the lounge is the guest bedrooms and bathrooms. The lounge and dining area have large west and south facing glazed areas which can be fully opened to create a seamless space onto the terrace. Large overhangs and the concrete structure enable the light to enter the spaces without the heat of the Portuguese sun. The terrace has an infinite pool that overlooks the golf course and the coast. On the first floor there is the master bedroom with en-suite and three other bedrooms and bathroom.

 

The design is a clear contrast to the more traditional villas either side but it comfortably sits between them as they share a certain materiality and the mature trees blend it into the forest to the north of the site.

 

The building and the infinity pool is heated with solar water panels placed on the roof, air source heat pump and back up boiler. The solar panels heat the pool and excess heat is pumped to the house heating system. This system enables the building to have reduced running costs and high thermal mass creates an all year stable comfort zone for the family.

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Location: Obidos, Portugal

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Photography: Joao Morgado