X House Alentejo by NTYPE: A Contemporary Interpretation of Traditional Rammed Earth Architecture in Portugal

Contextual Living Rooted in Tradition

Nestled in the tranquil rural landscape along Portugal’s scenic Alentejo coast, the X House by NTYPE seamlessly blends contemporary architectural language with the ancient regional technique of rammed earth construction. The house reinterprets vernacular building practices while adhering to strict local regulations, resulting in an environmentally harmonious and culturally sensitive design.

The project is situated in an area long associated with earthen construction. The architects sought to honor this architectural heritage by incorporating local materials and aligning the structure with the natural topography. The result is a single-story dwelling with an inclined roof that gracefully follows the terrain’s slope, promoting passive climatic control and visual continuity with the surroundings.

Architectural Composition: Two Wings, Four Patios

The house is formed by two perpendicular volumes, each assigned distinct functional zones. The first volume hosts the social spaces—the open kitchen, dining area, and living room. The second is dedicated to private quarters, containing bedrooms and bathrooms. This cross-shaped layout generates four distinct outdoor patios in the four corners, enhancing spatial fluidity between interior and exterior zones.

• North Patio: Facing a cork oak forest, this entrance courtyard includes an outdoor shower and surfboard storage, allowing residents to connect directly with nature before entering the home.
• East Patio: Adjacent to the kitchen, this cozy space captures the morning sunlight, making it perfect for quiet breakfasts and coffee rituals.
• South Patio: Overlooking orange trees and gentle hills, this area features a large wooden terrace shaded by canopies, designed for al fresco dining and social gatherings.
• West Patio: Designed for guest suites, it offers private terraces with serene views toward another cork oak forest.

Central Courtyard: Light, Nature, and Spatial Calm

At the intersection of the two volumes lies a tranquil central courtyard, defined by a circular skylight and centered around an ancient olive tree. This internal patio is enclosed with floor-to-ceiling glazing, allowing daylight to cascade into the heart of the home. It functions as a contemplative space and a visual anchor, reinforcing the connection between architecture, landscape, and memory.

Materiality and Sustainability

The use of rammed earth walls not only pays homage to Alentejo’s building traditions but also enhances the structure’s thermal performance, contributing to energy efficiency and indoor comfort throughout the year. Natural materials like wood, earth, and glass are used consistently, creating a warm, tactile palette that reflects the region’s earthy tones.

All Photographs are works of Yang Yang