waataa completes quinta do carregal house in portugal

in a seemingly infinite territory mostly occupied by pines and oaks, the implantation of the quinta do carregal house in portugal by architectural studio waataa marks a space and an intention. this project materializes a perennial refugee that transforms and adapts itself to the site’s conditions and to the family that inhabits it.

for waataa, the house does not begin at the physical limits of its walls, but rather at the outer boundary of the green patch that surrounds it — defining it as imaginary walls that make up a habitat. this vegetated area, or better, this forest, is therefore assumed as the transition space between the outdoors and interior (housing).

the concrete volume sets up and gives shape to a boundary defined by courtyards that are outlined via the interior of the house. in other words, it is the empty space trimmed and subtracted from the built volume. this design favors the organization and hierarchy of areas inherent to the design, as well as increases the contact perimeter with the forest. this close contact with nature provides a dwelling of peace, rest and visual comfort.