portuguese coast villa by CORE architects overlooks the ocean

sitting on a hill of algarvian coast, portugal, in a calm neighborhood, in a gifted place, villa gk by CORE architects is a ground level building that features in its core a bioclimatic analysis and a green thinking side by side with the sleek and sophisticated contemporary design. featuring a courtyard with a pool, the building allows for a stunning view of the landscape.

all photos by alexander bogorodsky

this 163 square meters footprint of CORE’s building is more compact on the north side and wide open on the south side where the living open space is. this area is thus protected by the two double rooms on the north façade, acting as a wisely positioned thermal barrier. in addition, there’s the possibility for one of these rooms become independent bringing flexibility to the solution in case of willing of different uses in the future.

the location also allowed managing sunlight and wind to optimize passive climatization and natural lighting provided by wide windows that assign to the living room a big picture of the breath-taking landscape with the pool, garden, and ocean sometimes blending with the skies. meanwhile, shading strategies are wisely applied not only to control the isolation but also to not compromise rooms privacy, giving, in the end, an interesting individuality to the whole building.

outside there is a side staircase made of steel leading to the roof terrace and a higher perspective of the landscape. the construction technique is an important feature regarding the control of energy gains and loses.