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.

with photography taken by iwan baan, 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