carvalho araújo’s gerês house in portugal combines wooden and concrete volumes
all images courtesy of carvalho araújo

 

 

 

this horizontally-formed house by braga-based studio carvalho araújo is located within portugal’s only national park. located on a steep slope in the caniçada valley, ‘gerês house’ replaces the site’s previous structure, which was demolished due to landslide risk.

carvalho araujo casa geres house portugal designboom
the scheme is located in portugal’s only national park

 

 

 

the new construction takes advantage of its hillside setting, with access provided from the upper level. from here, inhabitants are offered sweeping views across the picturesque landscape, characterized by the winding route of a passing stream that culminates in a small pool bordered by an area of decking.

carvalho araujo casa geres house portugal designboom
an elevated wooden volume sits atop its sturdy concrete base

 

 

 

the residence appears as two interlocking blocks — an elevated wooden volume sitting atop its sturdy concrete base. the use of these two materials continues inside the property. rather than designing a conventional internal program, the architects sought to include large, functional, and multipurpose spaces — allowing occupants to combine programs related to both pleasure and work.

carvalho araujo casa geres house portugal designboom
a sheltered jacuzzi is incorporated into the design

 

 

 

the dwelling’s primary social area is a centrally positioned living room that extends to the outside via a large terrace. the kitchen and services are arranged on the same floor as the living room, with more intimate spaces found at the upper storey.

carvalho araujo casa geres house portugal designboom
the architects sought to include large, functional, and multipurpose spaces

carvalho araujo casa geres house portugal designboom
the dwelling’s primary social area is the centrally positioned living room

carvalho araujo casa geres house portugal designboom
sleeping accommodation at the upper level

carvalho araujo casa geres house portugal designboom
a concrete terrace is set amid the trees

carvalho araujo casa geres house portugal designboom
the property illuminated at dusk