PIMAA clusters donavan house along sandy coastal site in portugal

PIMAA’s Contemporary retreat in Comporta

Sited among a coastal pine forest in Comporta, this Donavan House by Portuguese architecture studio PIMAA is a blend of contemporary design and ecological sensitivity. Drawing inspiration from the region’s natural beauty, local traditions, and the humble wooden huts of Carrasqueira’s fishing dock, the residential project reinterprets vernacular architecture to create a modern retreat that exists in dialogue with its context.

The Donavan House stands as a demonstration of PIMAA’s commitment to preserving the integrity of its site. Rather than imposing on the landscape, the design carefully integrates five distinct volumes into the natural voids of the existing pine forest. This approach minimizes disruption to the ecosystem, allowing the forest to dictate the placement and form of the architecture. The use of materials like wood, cement, and plaster further reinforces the project’s connection to its environment, embodying a philosophy of honesty and simplicity.

images © Ricardo Cruz

Elevated Walkways link clustered volumes

The architecture of PIMAA’s Donavan House is organized into five interconnected volumes, each serving a specific function while maintaining a cohesive relationship with the whole. The design team links these volumes with elevated wooden walkways in an effort to reduce the impact on the forest floor and create a fluid dialogue between the built and natural environments. This thoughtful circulation strategy ensures that the house feels both integrated and unobtrusive within its setting.

At the core of the design is the central volume, which houses the day area. This multipurpose space combines living, dining, and kitchen functions under a single roof, lending a sense of openness and connectivity. Expansive glazing blurs the boundaries between indoors and outdoors, offering panoramic views of the surrounding pine forest and rice fields. Flanking the central volume are two auxiliary spaces — a gym to the west, oriented to capture the setting sun, and an open garage to the east, which provides a functional yet understated entrance to the property.

PIMAA’s Donavan House is a modern retreat in Comporta, inspired by local fishing huts

donavan house surrounds a sunny courtyard

PIMAA divides the Donavan House’s sleeping spaces into two volumes, each emphasizing privacy and tranquility. The first volume includes the master bedroom and an ensuite guest room, both with direct access to the exterior walkways. The second volume is dedicated to additional bedrooms, designed for flexibility and comfort. Together, these spaces create a serene retreat that balances functionality with a sense of seclusion.

A swimming pool patio serves as the heart of the composition, an open-air courtyard surrounded by the various volumes. This central space acts as a dynamic focal point, where daily life unfolds against a backdrop of water, light, and natural materials. The courtyard links fluidly onto the home’s breezy interiors, and transforms the property into a contemplative retreat, further embedding the architecture within its environment.

five volumes are scattered among a coastal pine forest, minimizing disruption to the site