House in Afife, a house that lies on the curves of the terrain

House in Afife, a villa with a pool designed based on a square module. Minimal lines and lots of white, these are the elements that characterize an architecture designed to integrate perfectly into the natural context in which it is located.

Design approach between nature and spirituality

Casa em Afife is located in the north of Portugal, on a rural land situated at the foot of a hill gently sloping towards the plain, transforming into arable land that extends to the sea. This intervention is part of the significant architecture projects carried out by architect Guilherme Machado Vaz, whose design approach has been strongly influenced by the presence of a small chapel near the site. The chapel inspired the definition of the architectural volume, its placement in space, and the attention to construction details, without however dominating the essence of the project.

A balanced dialogue with the religious context

Architect Guilherme Machado Vaz faced the challenge of designing a residence that would not disturb the harmony of the surrounding religious space, while still maintaining its own architectural identity. The house is developed on a square layout, a geometric module repeated in the design of the pool and in the interstitial space between the villa and the pool itself. The building's volume is regular, compact, and vertical, evoking the simplicity and essence of the traditional constructions of the Minho region in Portugal.

Integration with natural topography

One of the main objectives of the project was to respect the natural topography of the terrain. To achieve this result, the building features a mezzanine floor, which allows for a direct connection with the outdoors on the south and west sides of the house. The internal layout is optimized through the installation of a central staircase, a design choice that minimizes circulation areas and creates a smooth path that culminates in the striking rooftop terrace. This final element offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape, strengthening the connection between the architecture and the natural environment.

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Guilherme Machado Vaz

Praceta D. Nuno Álvares Pereira, 20 Edifício D. Nuno, 5º Andar Sala FY 4450-218 Matosinhos, PORTUGAL