There are only a few instances in an architectural career where a client and an architect?s vision unify into an immaculate and complete expression of art and architecture. We were very fortunate to work with a couple who, devoted to the ideals of minimalism?s stark allure, asked us to design a house in the Douro , located on the stunning views over Douro valley .

© João Ferrand

Architects: MJARC Arquitectos

Location: Marco de Canaveses, Portugal

Area: 290.55 m2

Project Year: 2016

Photographs: João Ferrand

© João Ferrand

Text description provided by the architects. There are only a few instances in an architectural career where a client and an architect?s vision unify into an immaculate and complete expression of art and architecture. We were very fortunate to work with a couple who, devoted to the ideals of minimalism?s stark allure, asked us to design a house in the Douro , located on the stunning views over Douro valley .
© João Ferrand

Site Plan

© João Ferrand

The desire to interfere as little as possible with the visual topography of the landscape prompted to attach the house to the ground and find façade and roof solutions with a direct relationship to the surroundings. The idea of a "crouching building" guides the decisions concerning volume, position, occupation, exterior outfit and façade claddings.

© João Ferra...