House for Three Generations by fala: A Contemporary Architectural Statement

Located in the picturesque village of Marco de Canaveses, Portugal, the House for Three Generations, designed by the renowned architectural studio fala, is a striking example of contemporary residential architecture. This unique dwelling, completed in 2021, redefines the concept of multigenerational living by balancing private and communal spaces within an unconventional yet highly functional design.

A House Designed for Multigenerational Living

The residence was conceived to accommodate three generations of the same family while maintaining a sense of individuality and privacy for each. Each generation is assigned a distinct private space, carefully shaped to foster a sense of personal identity while remaining seamlessly integrated into the whole. The interplay between these private areas and the shared communal space results in a dynamic and unexpected architectural composition, where the relationship between personal and collective domains creates a captivating theatrical atmosphere.

Architectural Composition and Design Elements

At the heart of the project is a square plan crowned by a pyramidal roof, with its corners aligned to the cardinal directions. This geometric precision lends a sense of balance and harmony to the structure while also responding to its surrounding context.

The five elevations of the house are treated with equal importance, featuring a textural blend of exposed grey concrete and white-painted concrete, punctuated by large square windows and smaller round openings. This meticulous material palette enhances the visual contrast between solidity and transparency, offering glimpses into the house’s internal life while maintaining a sculptural presence in the landscape. A metal chimney emerges as a defining architectural element, acting as both a functional necessity and a unifying feature that visually anchors the composition.

Interior Spatial Dynamics

The interior of the house follows a similarly deliberate approach, where traditional domestic elements—rooms, windows, doors, floors, and white walls—are thoughtfully arranged to challenge conventional spatial hierarchies. Within the communal living area, a rough concrete column stands as a distinct intervention. Interestingly, while positioned almost centrally, this column does not structurally support the ceiling, instead serving as an aesthetic and conceptual marker that subtly emphasizes the unity of the dwelling.

The flooring, composed of wooden planks arranged in a centrifugal pattern, delineates the various functional zones within the shared space. This nuanced treatment of materials and layout contributes to the fluidity of movement and interaction, ensuring that the house not only meets practical living needs but also encourages a sense of connection and engagement among its occupants.

A Modern Interpretation of Family Living

The House for Three Generations is more than just a residence; it is an architectural statement that challenges conventional notions of family housing. By embracing abstraction, precision, and a play between private and public realms, fala has crafted a home that is both poetic and pragmatic. This project exemplifies the power of architecture to shape experiences, fostering a living environment that is at once intimate, expressive, and profoundly connected to its context.

Project Details:

• Architects: fala
• Location: Marco de Canaveses, Portugal
• Year: 2021
• Area: 175 m²
• Photography: Ivo Tavares Studio, Ricardo Loureiro, Giulietta Margot