Designed by the Portuguese studio Atelier d'Arquitectura Lopes da Costa, Casa RP is a charming three-storey residence that stands out for its harmonious integration with the surrounding landscape and the skilful management of natural light.
Situated on a rectangular plot with stunning views of the Santa Maria da Feira Castle, the house takes full advantage of the site's natural slope to create distinct accesses for pedestrians and vehicles. The pedestrian entrance, located on the highest level, leads to the house through a shelter on the north-east facade, characterized by a more sober and reserved design given its exposure towards the street. On the contrary, vehicular access to the basement garage is via a ramp from the south-east road, ensuring convenient entry for vehicles. The basement also houses storage rooms, technical rooms and a space dedicated to hunting and fishing equipment, the owner's passion.
The ground floor is the hub of social life and relaxation in the house. The large windows and canopies create a fluid connection with the outside, maximizing the supply of natural light and offering panoramic views of the castle and garden. A patio sheltered by a canopy houses an outdoor living and dining area, perfect for enjoying the mild Portuguese climate.
On the first floor is the sleeping area, with two bedrooms with shared bathrooms for the couple's children and a study/office, all facing south-west to benefit from the afternoon sunlight. The master suite, however, is located to the south-east, guaranteeing privacy and tranquility.
The aesthetics of the house is characterized by the use of exposed concrete at the basement level, which gives a solid and material appearance to the structure. The upper floors, however, are covered in white plaster, creating a chromatic contrast with the wooden panels that give a touch of warmth and naturalness. The canopies, a distinctive element of the house, emphasize the horizontality of the complex and add dynamism to the whole, contrasting the rectangular shape of the building imposed by the geometry of the land.
Distribution of Spaces
Basement: Access to the garage is via a slight ramp from the street to the south-east. This floor also houses storage and technical rooms, as well as a space dedicated to storing hunting and fishing equipment, the owner's hobby. The basement is characterized by the use of exposed concrete, giving strength and solidity to the structure.
Ground floor: The social and leisure areas are located on the ground floor, with a design that maximizes the relationship with the outside. The east/south orientation allows you to enjoy views of the castle, while the south/west side opens onto a garden and patio. Here, a canopy offers a space for the outdoor living and dining area, perfect for convivial moments with family or friends.
First floor: This intimate area includes two bedrooms for the children, with shared bathrooms, and a study/office, all facing south-west to benefit from natural light. The master suite, however, is oriented to the south-east. The distribution of the rooms is designed to guarantee comfort and privacy for all family members.
Architecture and Design
The house features a combination of materials that distinguish the various floors, creating a dynamic and less compact effect. The exposed concrete of the basement contrasts with the white plaster used for the upper floors, enriched by wooden panels that add warmth and texture to the whole. The shelters, in addition to protecting from the elements, emphasize the horizontality of the structure, breaking the rectangularity imposed by the geometry of the site and adding a sense of movement and lightness.
project info
Project name: Casa RP
Architecture Office: Atelier d'Arquitectura Lopes da Costa
Main Architect: José António Lopes da Costa and Tiago Meireles
Collaboration: Sérgio Almeida
Website: www.lopesdacosta.pt
Email: mail@lopesdacosta.pt
Facebook: www.facebook.com/atelierlopesdacosta
Instagram: www.instagram.com/atelierlopesdacosta
Location: Santa Maria da Feira – Portugal
Year of conclusion: 2021
Total area: 492m2
Builder: A Construtora de Loureiro, Lda.
Engineering: Strumep – Engenharia
Light Design: Projedomus – Projectos e Instalações Eléctricas Inteligentes, Lda
Acoustic Design: Strumep – Engenharia
Fluids Engineering : Strumep – Engenharia
Thermal Engineering: IRG, Inspeções Técnicas, SA
Architectural photographer: Ivo Tavares Studio
Website: www.ivotavares.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ivotavaresstudio
Instagram: www.instagram.com/ivotavaresstudio
