House in Serrado da Adega: A Modern Coastal House Design in Portugal

A Contemporary Home with Coastal Views

Located in Câmara de Lobos, Portugal, the House in Serrado da Adega represents a stunning example of modern coastal house design. Situated just 77.5 meters from the sea, the house benefits from panoramic views of both the coastline and the nearby hillside. The design, crafted by AA. Arquitectos, takes full advantage of these surroundings while integrating modern architectural features and functional spaces that cater to the needs of a contemporary family.

Site Context and Design Concept

The land on which the house is built has a trapezoidal shape, bounded by a road to the east, an existing house to the north, an empty lot to the south, and a sloping hillside to the west. The unique layout of the site allowed the architects to create a design that maximizes the views to the south and west while ensuring privacy and functionality.

The house is split into two main volumes, each oriented in different directions to suit the site’s geometry. The longer volume extends to the west, while the shorter one runs to the east, creating a dynamic relationship between the two parts of the home. This layout enhances the relationship between the indoor and outdoor spaces, allowing for an abundance of natural light and views from nearly every room.

Ground Floor Layout: Open and Functional

The ground floor of the House in Serrado da Adega features a thoughtful division of spaces. On the eastern side, a covered parking area is integrated with a storage room, offering easy access from the exterior. A large closet serves as a transitional space, leading into the living room, while a guest bathroom is tucked away for convenience. The living area is an open-plan design that includes the living room, dining area, and kitchen, all in one fluid space. A pantry is conveniently located nearby for storage.

The western side of the ground floor extends into a spacious outdoor area. The living room opens onto a south- and west-facing porch, providing ample space for outdoor seating and dining. A second porch, facing the north and west, houses a barbecue area, perfect for enjoying the temperate climate of Portugal’s coastal region.

Upper Floor: Private and Cozy Retreats

The upper floor is dedicated to the private areas of the home. The eastern volume contains a bedroom, a laundry room with access to a drying patio, and a luxurious master suite complete with a bathroom and walk-in closet. The western volume features another bedroom, a common bathroom for the bedrooms, and the master suite’s private bedroom.

The upper floor also includes two balconies that extend over the porches below. One balcony, located off the master suite, faces south and west, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The second balcony, which serves the other bedrooms, is positioned to the north and west. Both balconies are adorned with flower beds, adding to the house’s connection to nature.

Architectural Details and Materials

The design of the House in Serrado da Adega incorporates high-quality materials that ensure both durability and aesthetic appeal. The house will be thermally insulated from the exterior and painted white, creating a clean and modern look. Exposed concrete will feature in the slabs, flower beds, and the pillar of the parking area, adding a sense of raw elegance to the design.

Wooden panels made from sucupira wood will cover the corner between the parking area and the front door, providing a natural contrast to the white exterior. These panels will also conceal a storage compartment and a shoe cabinet beneath the stairs.

Outdoor Spaces: Creating Connection with Nature

The surroundings of the House in Serrado da Adega are designed to complement the architecture and enhance the connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Attached to the north wall of the house is a barbecue, which serves as an extension of the living space and encourages outdoor entertaining. To the east, a shelter for dogs and a trash house are discretely integrated into the design, ensuring practicality without detracting from the aesthetic appeal of the property.

A Harmonious Blend of Modernity and Nature

The House in Serrado da Adega is a remarkable example of modern coastal house design that successfully blends functionality with aesthetics. Through thoughtful spatial planning and the use of high-quality materials, the architects have created a home that is both visually striking and perfectly suited to its coastal environment. With its focus on maximizing views, creating private retreats, and maintaining a strong connection to nature, this home is an ideal sanctuary for its inhabitants.

All Photographs are works of Nuno Serrão