Quinta do Desembargador House - a compact but expandable home

The urban allotment of Quinta do Desembargador, located in the municipality of Almada, is situated in a suburban landscape influenced by the changing social and urban dynamics surrounding Lisbon, Portugal. This environment significantly affects the architecture and overall territory.

It is a territory characterized by small-sized lots and compact constructions that lack a strong connection with outdoor spaces, presenting certain limitations. However, it is within these constraints that innovative solutions can emerge. Embracing this challenge, we were committed to finding creative and effective ways to maximize the potential of this unique setting.

Our approach aims to create the initial impression of a compact and conventional structure. However, as one explores the interior, this perception gives way to an experience of expansive and intricately designed spaces, where solar orientation plays a key role in the overall design.

The strategic placement of the entrance significantly reduces unnecessary internal circulation, governing the layout and hierarchy of spaces. Essential facilities such as the restroom, office, and laundry area are located towards the left, facing the north.

On the right, benefiting from the southern orientation, the kitchen and living room seamlessly merge in an open-concept layout, with the living area boasting a soaring double-height ceiling and ample natural light streaming in from above. We aimed to extend the interior experience to the outside through a full-width porch, with a barbecue and outdoor seating area directly connected to the patio. To maintain the living room's visibility, we incorporated openings in the 2nd-floor slab and roof to allow natural light to penetrate.

Accessing the upper floor, which houses the bedrooms, one can enjoy an unobstructed view of the living room owing to its double height. It is important to emphasize the possibility of expanding this house by adding another bedroom and an extra slab in the office. This would accommodate a growing household without needing to change the current exterior structure of the building. This adaptability was a key part of the design concept, demonstrating that buildings can be created to allow for expansion based on the residents' needs without altering the predetermined exterior volume that fits in with the urban environment of the neighbourhood.

In terms of materials, we propose using white enamelled ceramic tiles on the 1st floor, thermo-modified wood slats in the entrance area to enhance visual appeal, and fine sanded plaster painted in white on the 2nd floor. This will create the illusion of a volume resting on a solid foundation. In conclusion, our design yields a building with clean, well-proportioned lines, representing an elegant and cost-effective solution. Setting it apart from the surroundings, the house exudes a unique charm due to its distinct shapes and materials, making it a compelling and distinctive choice.