gonçalo byrne arquitectos: estoril sol residence

‘estoril sol residence’ by gonçalo byrne arquitectos, cascais, portugal images courtesy of gonçalo byrne arquitectos / © joao morgado

lisbon based studio, gonçalo byrne arquitectos has completed ‘estoril sol residence’, a new housing complex in cascais, portugal. the residential structure is located at the site of the old ‘hotel estoril-sol’, a 20 storey building from the 1960s, which was demolished to make way for new developments.

balancing on a slopped site between land and sea, the 15 storey complex aims to establish new relationships with its surrounding environment. its volume and visibility on the seafront serves an important gateway to the village.

view from the sea

a topographical scar left on the site during demolition dictated the overall form – a series of stacked and offset cubes –  and open landscape. the two units, which together accommodate 110 individual dwellings, are connected by an enclosed pedestrian bridge, providing transition and movement between the fixed structures. outdoor communal spaces are generated by the void space under and between the volumes.  

communal leisure spaces are situated between the two structures

pathways surround the residential units, directly connecting the structures to the landscape and the sea

the glass facade reflects the surrounding landscape

glass panels encased in aluminum frames clad the unit, reflecting the diverse landscape that surrounds the building. inside, select structural components are left exposed, adding character to the otherwise minimal spaces.

(left) detail of facade (right) view from the boardwalk

the unit sits among a lush and slopped landscape

full height windows provide views of the surrounding village and sea

exposed beams add character to the units

main living spaces remain neutral, allowing the exterior environment to become the focus

interior view of one unit

the towers are highly visible from the sea