Quintal House by Miguel Marcelino

A Story of Heritage, Renovation, and Transformation

Quintal House by Miguel Marcelino, nestled in Torres Novas, Portugal, is a harmonious blend of past and present. Originally a family home with a vegetable garden and small animal farm, the structure has undergone a remarkable transformation while preserving its nostalgic charm. The once utilitarian house, which lacked running water or electricity in its earlier days, has been reimagined to cater to modern living without losing its historical significance. The house holds personal meaning for the architect, who spent childhood days with his grandparents in this very space, recalling the joy of visiting the “quintal” or backyard.

Preserving the Past with a Vision for the Future

The renovation preserved a few key elements of the original structure, notably the stone corners and main walls, which provide a connection to the past. However, the interior organization was completely restructured to meet contemporary needs. The home now functions as a dynamic, functional space with a focus on the natural environment surrounding it.

Centralized Kitchen as a Hub

The kitchen has been placed at the heart of the house, acting as a central “pivot.” It links seamlessly with the bedroom area, the living room, and the garden-facing patio. Large glazed double doors open onto a pergola-covered outdoor space, creating a smooth flow between interior and exterior areas. The design emphasizes connectivity and natural light, enhancing the relationship between the home’s interior and its surrounding garden.

Outdoor Living Throughout the Seasons

The landscaping around the house plays an essential role in its design. The old fruit trees are complemented by carefully selected new plants that offer shade, framing, and seasonal beauty. The deciduous trees surrounding the house are strategically chosen to allow sunlight to warm the interior in the winter months. On the perimeter of the property, trees with persistent leaves offer year-round greenery. The architecture of Quintal House encourages outdoor living, with the natural environment serving as an extension of the home, adapting with the seasons.

A Home That Celebrates the Outdoors

At its core, Quintal House is a celebration of outdoor living. The house serves as a backdrop to the landscape, offering a space where the boundary between the built environment and nature blurs. The house is not just a structure, but a gateway to the natural world that evolves throughout the year, enriching the experience of those who inhabit it.

Key Features:

• Heritage Preservation: Maintaining original stone corners and walls, blending history with contemporary living.

• Open-Plan Living: A central kitchen that links the living, bedroom, and outdoor spaces, fostering connectivity.

• Seasonal Outdoor Living: Strategic landscaping with deciduous trees and year-round greenery that enhances the experience of each season.

• Seamless Interior-Exterior Connection: Glazed doors open to a pergola, inviting natural light and easy access to the garden.

Quintal House embodies the idea that the house is merely a pretext for inhabiting the outdoors, where every season transforms the way we live in harmony with nature.

All Photographs are works of Archive Miguel Marcelino (photo by Lourenço T. Abreu)