Exclusive design of a large L-shaped house with a beautiful pool and garden

The house in Restelo, Portugal is a project designed by Leonor Duarte Ferreira& pmc arquitectos. It was completed in 2011.

From Leonor Duarte Ferreira&pmc arquitectos for Forum City readers:

“Plot 914.2 sq.., almost rectangular in shape located in a residential area of Lisbon. Topographic features include a surface elevation of around 2m, east-west oriented, the highest point on the side of the access road.

Territory

The way the house will be incorporated into the grounds to be developed depended on the degree of irregularity of the terrain, and the intention to create a garden with a pool in the south, protected by the volume of the structure.

We aimed to find a suitable interaction between the architecture of the building and the structure, taking maximum advantage of the solar orientation and the existing geographical features.

Spatial organization

The house consists of three levels: 2 floors above ground and one underground.

The residence is designed in two volumes, large and smaller, forming an L-shape. The upper, more compacted fragment is placed along the east-west axis and the lower part of the structure is laid out parallel to the street.

Each of these properties is designed to promote efficient interior and exterior interaction by extending the spaces outward through balconies and courtyards. These transitional spaces are also very important to protect the huge glass surfaces from the sun. There is a close relationship between the floors through the double height and the decorative finishes, for example in the lobby and living room.

On the first floor, the areas are very interconnected. The hall is the most variable room of the building, with a highly dynamic, progressive difference in levels.

There are two different areas. The private area contains a fireplace, while another, more open area is connected to the garden through south-facing glazed surfaces. The dining room and kitchen, on the lower level of the house, face west.

Large windows are protected by opening horizontal shutters. These devices are repeated on the opaque northern façade, aiming to create a unified language for this level.

There is also a multi-purpose room overlooking a concrete-covered pergola that provides an interesting play of shadows. There are also 4 bedrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms. The main one has a walk-in closet and a small gym.

In order to make the circulation between the rooms more interesting, we designed the zenith lighting through the windows in the roof, located in accordance with the pattern of the wall panels. The bedroom is accessed via a catwalk that crosses the double height of the living room.

Complementing the spacious interior design of the garage, building facilities and storage systems, the basement features a bedroom with 2 baths (one overlooking the pool), a game room/cinema room, and a music room.”.