'estoril sol residence' by gonçalo byrne arquitectos, cascais, portugal
images courtesy of gonçalo byrne arquitectos / © joao morgado


lisbon based studio, gonçalo byrne arquitectos has completed 'estoril sol residence',
a new housing complex in cascais, portugal. the residential structure is located at the
site of the old 'hotel estoril-sol', a 20 storey building from the 1960s, which was
demolished to make way for new developments.

balancing on a slopped site between land and sea, the 15 storey complex aims to
establish new relationships with its surrounding environment. its volume and visibility
on the seafront serves an important gateway to the village.



view from the sea


a topographical scar left on the site during demolition dictated the overall form - a series
of stacked and offset cubes -  and open landscape. the two units, which together
accommodate 110 individual dwellings, are connected by an enclosed pedestrian bridge,
providing transition and movement between the fixed structures. outdoor communal spaces
are generated by the void space under and between the volumes.
 


communal leisure spaces are situated between the two structures



pathways surround the residential units, directly connecting the structures to the landscape and the sea



the glass facade reflects the surrounding landscape


glass panels encased in aluminum frames clad the unit, reflecting the diverse landscape
that surrounds the building. inside, select structural components are left exposed, adding
character to the otherwise minimal spaces.



(left) detail of facade
(right) view from the boardwalk



the unit sits among a lush and slopped landscape



full height windows provide views of the surrounding village and sea



exposed beams add character to the units



main living spaces remain neutral, allowing the exterior environment to become the focus



interior view of one unit






the towers are highly visible from the sea