Douro Valley House

There are only a few rare moments in architectural project when the client’s and the architect’s vision come together in a pure and absolute expression of art and architecture. We had the opportunity to collaborate with a couple who, committed to the creative process, requested the design of a vacation home located in the magnificent landscape of the Douro Valley. The client wanted to renovate the small existing house and build a new villa. 

The property required a flexible vacation home program, capable of adjusting to changes in the duration of stay, the seasons, and the number of occupants. The new intervention should not compromise the view enjoyed from the existing structure, which influenced its placement. Minimal interference with the topography was also desired, leading us to find façade and roof solutions that would blend with the surrounding environment. 

For the existing structure, we proposed creating a large living space that takes advantage of the view and the existing swimming pool. The second building, intended as the main residence, is developed independently. The ground floor features the dining and kitchen areas, and the second floor the bedrooms. 

The new proposal opens up to the river and is integrated with the natural slope of the land, following the contour lines, allowing for a wider view of the Douro River. 

The exterior treatment of the building highlights its integration with the surrounding environment. For the exterior cladding, it was decided to use concrete with a brown pigment, and the roof was designed with a garden area, creating a visual and ecological continuity with the surroundings. The building seems to emerge from the landscape, seamlessly integrating with it and complementing it.