Concrete volumes and hidden patios in a Portuguese villa

Hugo Pereira Arquitetos was inspired by the surrounding landscape to design Cork Oak House, a single-family residence defined by glass surfaces, slopes and geometric cuts.

Cork Oak House stands in a large protected natural area in Celorico de Basto, Portugal, on a plot of about 12,000 square meters characterized by the presence of numerous cork trees. Hugo Pereira Arquitetos has designed a single-family residence that is strongly linked to its context, giving nature a central role: not only landscape is preserved, but it becomes also a source of inspiration for the design of spaces and structure.

 Cork Oak House
Hugo Pereira Arquitetos, Cork Oak House. Photo Ivo Tavares Studio

Occupying 330 square meters on two levels, the villa is defined by the perpendicular meeting of two concrete volumes, which embrace a garden with swimming pool. Characterized by sloping edges, the blocks recall the hilly terrain, while geometric cuts give rise to internal courtyards and patios in a succession of glimpses of the landscape.

Cork Oak House
Hugo Pereira Arquitetos, Cork Oak House. Photo Ivo Tavares Studio

The presence of glass surfaces lightens the main concrete structure allowing a continuous connection with the outdoor and an abundance of natural light from east to west. The roof, which also serves as a roof-terrace, includes an additional volume, a cantilevered block on the entrance side used as a covered panoramic space.

Cork Oak House
Hugo Pereira Arquitetos, Cork Oak House. Interiors. Photo Ivo Tavares Studio

Inside the villa, the kitchen, dining room and living area create a bright open space, characterized by suspended wooden furniture recalling the shapes of the house. The floor of the spaces is covered in black tiles, which continue in the patio on the ground floor and on the roof, in order to provide a sense of continuity. 

Project:
Cork Oak House
Location:
Celorico de Basto, Portugal
Program:
Private residence
Architects:
Hugo Pereira Arquitetos
Main architects:
Hugo Pereira and Diogo Jordão
Area:
330 sqm
Completion:
2020

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