The BOX project, conceived by Tiago Sousa, is an example of architectural redevelopment that confronts the memory of the past and the needs of modern life. The house, located in a ruin, has a rigid form similar to traditional Minho dwellings.
A redevelopment project always represents the conflict between the memory of past experiences and the needs of contemporary life. The existing volume has a singular configuration, rigid in shape and roughly built, similar to the typical Minho house. It is a building that has an intimate link with the place where it is located, a sort of simple but charming rural "square".
A new contemporary volume is inserted in this context, with the intention of arousing mixed feelings in the observer. Explore the balance and tension between existing and proposed form. Its colour, materialisation, shape and position create a deliberate distinction between “old and new”.
The scope of this project is a single family home. The program is spread over two levels: the social spaces on the lower level and two bedrooms and a bathroom on the upper level.
Downstairs, the kitchen, dining room, and living room are arranged north-south in sequence. The large space is organized both by a closed central volume (which protects the kitchen work area) and by the stairs leading to the upper floor.
These stairs appear as an ornamental element, with a fluid and curvilinear design. They are a sculptural piece in concrete and wood that separates the dining area from the living space.
The upper floor is divided into two bedrooms and a bathroom. One is located on the north facade and the other on the south facade, both rooms are symmetrical, with the same dimensions, respecting the constant symmetry of the plan.
All these spaces: bedrooms, bathroom and closet, are enclosed and independent. For this reason and with the intention of simplifying the interior, we cover the walls and doors with natural wood cladding (“sapelly”) in order to create more uniform and abstract surfaces. The frame and door handles are also not visible in this trim.
Without any expansion from the original footprint, the program is organized within the remaining boundaries, assuming the existing relationship between inside and outside. The living space extends outwards through a large glass surface guaranteed by another horizontal concrete element which simultaneously controls the intensity of the sunlight.
It is important to understand the character of each site in order to design and organize a coherent project.
The BOX project, a house in a ruin, signed by Tiago Sousa, represents an interesting example of architectural redevelopment. The original house, with its rigid form and rustic construction, recalls the typical style of housing in the Minho region.
project info
Project name: BOX
Architecture Office: James Sousa
Main Architect: arq. Tiago Sousa
Email: arq.tiagosousa@gmail.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/tiagosousapc/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/tiagosousapc/
Location: Romarigães, Paredes de Coura
Year of conclusion: 2021
total area: 150.00m2
Architectural photographer: Ivo Tavares Studio
Website: www.ivotavares.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ivotavaresstudio
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ivotavaresstudio
