Melides House by Fragmentos

_project: Melides House
_architecture: Fragmentos
_location: Grândola, Portugal

Melides House, designed by the architecture studio Fragmentos in Portugal, stands as a prime example of the seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces, embodied through the use of a central courtyard. The architect Pedro Silva Lopes eloquently described the courtyard as "the center of the house; all response arises from this nucleus that acts as an outdoor hall from which we can understand the whole house and flow through it in various directions. This 'hall' emerges after a blind wall and transports us to an experience of North Africa, in a game of concealment/unconcealment that whets the appetite for the discovery of space. Once we pass the front door, everything becomes clear, the space and the landscape."

In regard to the choice of materials, the architect explained how they were influenced by the presence of the courtyard, stating, "The choice of materials was essential to 'anchor' the house to its natural terrain and make it feel like it has always been part of the landscape. The earth tones on the exterior marry the presence of the courtyard, almost like a cocoon that hints at the earthy and neutral materiality of the interior. The central olive tree is another fundamental element of this logic."

The strong and harmonious relationship between Melides House and the surrounding landscape was also emphasized. "More than a challenge, it was a realization of necessity. In fact, the terrain itself, its solar exposure, topography, and view were the guiding elements of the answers to all our questions. It's not how I will have to adapt, but how to make this living machine part of the landscape, inhabit it? It was with this question that we elaborated the design of our courtyard house."

Lastly, when questioned about how the relationship between the occupants of Melides House and nature might be influenced by the design, the architect conveyed, "The courtyard is a central and multifunctional element, entrance hall, distributor, and dining room, so the whole functioning of the house is influenced by this space. Also, weather conditions such as wind, rain, and extreme heat have a huge influence, and the transparency surrounding this courtyard leaves this exposed. In this way, the furniture and cladding were thought out so that the occupation of space, both inside and outside, was as conceived in the concept process. Here we had the help of Marta Lucena, who with her great taste filled our spatial void."

Melides House, through its innovative design and thoughtful considerations, portrays a graceful symbiosis between architecture and nature, offering a vivid experience where the occupant becomes part of the landscape. Its organic materials, the strategic use of the courtyard, and the unyielding focus on the surroundings create an intimate connection with nature, offering a unique architectural masterpiece.

_article written by Daniela Moreira da Silva
_film by Building Pictures
_film curatorship by Architecture Hunter
_cover and image scroll by Lourenço Teixeira de Abreu

_drawings by Fragmentos

1. Floor Plan

2. Site Plan

3. Axonometric