bernardo rodrigues arquitecto: house on the flight of birds

'house on the flight of birds' by bernardo rodrigues arquitecto, st. michael island, the azores, portugal
image © iwan baan


portuguese studio bernardo rodrigues arquitecto has completed 'house on the flight of birds', a single family home
on st. michael island in the azores, portugal. informed by the landscape and the prevalent high winds and rain,
the design looks to establish a strategy that allows the family to remain connected and exposed to the outdoors
regardless of the conditions.

a series of stacked and intersecting volumes are linked by a dominant contoured form, which appears to cut
directly through the home. developing a collection of variously sized sheltered terraces and an undulating
roof top patio, the contrasting expression along with a dominant red wall, both defines the overall aesthetic
and the organization of space.



side elevation
image © iwan baan


on the main floor a progression of courtyards and corridors, housed within a receding body of glass, develops an
experiential environment that is open and responsive to the surrounding environment. contoured ceilings and
changes in elevation define the interior volumes, which range in spatiality and intimacy depending on their function.



staircase and sheltered terrace
image © iwan baan


upstairs, the bedrooms are more enclosed and protected, contained within solid cubes that selectively open onto the landscape.
on the roof, a tiered and curving platform crowns the structure and provides unobstructed views of the island's north shore.



a bold red wall and undulating volume define the overall structure
image © iwan baan



front elevation
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interior
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internal courtyard
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kitchen
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living room
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stairway and integrated courtyard
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access to rooftop terrace
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rooftop
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contours of rooftop
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rooftop terrace
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an opening at the end of the terrace frames the landscape
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overall view
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entrance
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view from across view
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floor plan / level 0a
image courtesy of bernardo rodrigues arquitecto



floor plan / level 0b
image courtesy of bernardo rodrigues arquitecto



floor plan / level 1
image courtesy of bernardo rodrigues arquitecto



floor plan / level 2
image courtesy of bernardo rodrigues arquitecto



section
image courtesy of bernardo rodrigues arquitecto



section
image courtesy of bernardo rodrigues arquitecto