Caniçada House by Carvalho Araújo

Presented by OTIIMA

_project: Caniçada House
_architecture: Carvalho Araújo
_windows and sliding doors: OTIIMA | Much More Than a Window
_location: Peneda-Gerês National Park, Portugal

Architecture plays a crucial role in valuing and respecting the place where it operates. By taking into consideration the local environment, culture, and history, architects can design buildings that reflect and enhance the unique characteristics of the site. This means using locally-sourced materials, sustainable design practices, and preserving the natural habitats surrounding the building.

The Caniçada House by Carvalho Araújo is an exceptional example of architecture that respects and values its surrounding natural environment. The house is situated in the middle of the Serra do Gerês, a stunning natural park in northern Portugal, surrounded by breath-taking landscapes of mountains and lakes. The main idea behind this project was to create a house that would blend in with its natural surroundings while also providing an elegant and comfortable living space for its inhabitants.

The house is built on a steep slope, with the living areas on the upper level and the bedrooms and service areas on the lower level. Its design is characterized by clean lines, sharp angles, and large windows that allow for ample natural light and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Living in such close contact with nature can be a transformative experience, and the Caniçada House is designed to enhance this connection while also providing an elegant and comfortable living space for its inhabitants. The large windows create a seamless transition between the interior and exterior spaces, allowing the inhabitants to fully immerse themselves in the natural environment.

The project was designed to minimize its impact on the environment while also enhancing the natural beauty of its surroundings. It highlights the importance of context and site-specificity in architecture. Rather than imposing a preconceived design onto the landscape, the architect has taken inspiration from the natural environment and designed a house that complements and enhances its surroundings. The result is a building that is not only beautiful but also deeply respectful of its context.

The house's design is a testament to the beauty and richness of the surrounding natural environment and a commitment to sustainable and contextually-sensitive architecture.

_written by Daniela Moreira Silva
_film by Architecture Hunter & Building Pictures
_cover image: NUDO
_drawings by Carvalho Araújo:

1. Implantation
2. -1 Floor Plan
3. Ground Floor Plan
4. First Floor Plan
5. Roof Floor Plan
6. Section