MOGO’S HOUSES

MOGO’S HOUSES

Perched on the unobstructed hill of Quinta dos Mogos, a place of centuries-old wineries, a few steps from the lively village of Santo Isidoro, houses number 6 and number 8 are to be built.

Outlined by the tributary of the stream that flows into the Sea passing by Ribeira d’Ilhas beach, the wide view over the valley observes trees, shrubs, meadows and birds, narrow roads, paths and those that pass by.

The design strategy was formulated to define a structure capable of lifting two different houses raised with the same typology on two identical plots, with the intention of optimization of design and construction features.

In order to make the most of the plot area and to protect the house gardens, the access to the plots were planned at a high level, resulting by the existing steep slope of the land. The access is made directly from the street to the social area, the lower floor, in stairs that face the landscape.

In the foyer, the area with the least sun exposure, vertical spans allow the light to travel the full height of the double height, illuminating the circulation area that gives access to the bathroom, a bedroom, and the kitchen that connects to the laundry area. In one side of the kitchen an old-fashioned chimney houses the enthusiasm of cooking; on the other, the landscape frames a continuous kitchen island with the dining room. It is “one” space capable of integrating the living room that is three steps lower than the dining room and kitchen. This continuous space allows open conversations between sofas, food and wood burning popping in the fireplace. The dynamics are young and laid back.

The stairs by the entrance hall lead to the first floor where the circulation serves the common bathroom, two bedrooms and one Master suite with generous openings to the terrace. In House nº6 this outdoor space faces the sunrise, and in House nº8 it faces the sunset. On the ground floor the house facade retreats and the terrace above covers an extensive glazing.

Despite the temptation to open wide spans to the strong presence of the surrounding natural setting, there is an intention to contain and control the light; as if the house were born from the earth and by subtracting matter, grain by grain, little by little, we built the right measure, the relation of the inner space with the outer environment.

The open space annexed to the house has a narrow panoramic span that runs its full width. This attachment block is connected to the street. It is suitable for garage, studio, gym, guesthouse or other purpose.

The open nature and immensity of the landscape has drawn long and wide planes in a simple gesture of unity, clarity and minimization of resources; the houses, with refined language, open into continuous openings and interior spaces with the capacity to embrace the wide and extensive depth of the moving views, inviting the sunset light that perpetuates at dusk.

In the selection of materials; natural stone, local tiles, wood, painted iron, plain cement or plain concrete; they are the intention of a genuine act, of true acceptance of the nature of materials and admiration of the fact that time transforms all that is alive.