abandoned agricultural construction turns into earthy minimalist residence in rural portugal

an element of remembrance in rural portugal 

within the rural countryside of estremoz, portugal, architecture studio joão cepeda has transformed an abandoned agricultural construction into a minimalist residence. the torrid sun, the blue sky, and the gusty winds in the wild vegetation frame the ambiance setting. meanwhile, a partly preserved ancient stone wall built by hand characterizes the project and acts as an element of remembrance.

all images courtesy of joão cepeda

earthy materials & tones merge with the natural surroundings

joão cepeda’s design maintains some of the characteristics of the former agricultural structure, reminding that the new always rests upon the reminiscent. the studio has recovered the existing stone wall, enclosing a semi-buried basement for storage, and the kitchen with a small patio. the upper ground floor volume houses both the private and social areas, and is subtly finished with a sandy stucco, in an earthy-beige tone, merging with the exterior terrain and landscape pantones. the light grey microcement floors texture the final construction, sheltering and providing the necessary natural cooling to the new house.

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project info:

name: house in estremoz
designer: joão cepeda | @joaocepedaarch

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