Casa Chao

Project Description

The project involves the rebuilding of a small house just over 3 metre wide and 16 metres deep at the end of a block. It is located in the historic centre of the village of Costa da Morte. The former house was a dwelling and a bar.

We have sought to create a renewed vision of the building, but without losing its identity, through references to the history and culture of the location.

It was constructed in wood, evoking maritime construction and using white painted panels. White is the colour of the galleries and houses in the village. The ground-floor façade is stony, forming a continuity with the traditional street façades. We wanted to reflect the spirit of the popular architecture, whilst still retaining self-expression.

The house of about 120m² is divided into three floors. The ground floor comprises the entrance and a garage for two cars. The first floor is the daytime area with a lounge and kitchen. The second floor has a bedroom, an office and a bathroom. The penthouse level has a bedroom with an en-suite bathroom.

We created a simple approach based on the longitudinal dimensions of the open space and centrality of access. The façade stands out at its centre, forming larger spaces and a covered entrance.

The high ceilings and narrow windows relate plants to each other and to the framed section of outside space.

The purpose was to reinvent the living space that was in ruins and unresolved.