AZO sequeira arquitectos reinterprets a former dovecote

AZO sequeira arquitectos associados has reinterpreted a former dovecote to house a completely new program. located near the northern portuguese city of braga, the project’s architecture has been conceived as a ‘minimal concrete treehouse’, influenced by a spirit of childlike fantasy. the scheme comprises a gabled concrete volume that appears to float above the site’s existing stone walls.

all images by nelson garrido

AZO proposed that the new structure contained a child’s playhouse at its upper level with a bathing room below, serving the adjacent pool. enclosed behind heavy stone walls, the balneary includes a shower, a toilet, and a large sink. accessed via a stone staircase, the playroom above remains unfurnished — soon to be populated with children’s toys and games.

the former dovecote houses a completely new program

the building’s former use as a shelter for birds is referenced with a single triangular window, through which doves used to enter. at the upper storey, the 54 square meter-project can be securely enclosed with a retractable sliding door that provides internal access. led by architect mário sequeira, AZO has previously completed a house near porto with concrete façades and adjustable timber screens.

accessed via a stone staircase, the playroom remains unfurnished

a square window offers views across the remainder of the property

the bathing room includes a shower

a toilet and a large sink are also found at the lower level

the project has been conceived as a ‘minimal concrete treehouse’

the building’s former use is referenced with a triangular window, through which doves used to enter

a gabled concrete volume appears to float above the site’s existing stone walls

the house is located near the northern portuguese city of braga

floor plans

elevations and sectional drawing

project info:

name: the dovecote
architects: AZO. sequeira arquitectos associados lda
location: soutelo, braga, portugal
project architects: mário sequeira
project team: pedro soares, fátima barroso, jorge vilela, joão alves
structural engineer: BO associados
area: 54 sqm
completed: 2015
photography: nelson garrido