On The Portuguese Coast, House In Colares Is A Retreat From The Wider World

Oriented west-to-east as per religious tradition, the plan of the house is a rectangle containing a single cross-like open space, hosting a sleeping area and a laying area, divided by a fireplace—the house’s main source of fire and light. In the living area, square windows frame the surrounding landscape while letting daylight in; whereas the sleeping area has no openings. “The house is meant to be experienced for short living periods; there is no need for a kitchen as the area is surrounded by high-quality restaurants,” shares Marchesi. As per baptist tradition, the main source of water is outside in a circular tank, which forms the house’s pool; a further point of water is integrated with the interior bath. To guarantee thermal and acoustic natural insulation throughout the house, all walls are made using a double skin of bricks with poured concrete. “The brown Palissandro makes the house warmer and sets the level of the acoustics of the house to achieve a silent atmosphere as in religious buildings,” adds Marchesi.