Casa na Canicada

Overlooking Caniçada reservoir in Portugal is a minimalist concrete dwelling. The three-story structure makes use of the existing footprint from a former building, minimizing disruption to the natural surroundings. Tucked inside the native vegetation of a dense forest, the simple, gabled home contrasts its verdant surroundings with a monolithic concrete form. Internally, the simplified palette continues with polished concrete floors, walls, and ceilings. Semi-submerged into a hillside, its lowest level houses a sleek, black kitchen that's open to the dining area, while a living area flanked by floor-to-ceiling glazing floats in the canopies above. The upper level is reserved for intimate spaces, and instead of traditional partitions, the rooms are divided by transparent walls with curtains to adjust privacy. To make up for the lack of windows, integrated LED lighting provides a soft glow.

Photos: NUDO / Carvalho Araújo