Sofia Sá Mineiro

         Having in mind the theme of the exercise for this year and the conditions of the proposed ground, my approach was made in order to turn all the spaces practicable. Thus, the entire project is based on an idealized multiplicity of spatial openings, which aim to relate the place with the building.

            I was concerned about avoiding conventional housing models. Being more especific, I tried to increase the ways of connecting the several areas of the house, between the upper and the lower grounds. The access is done by the most obvious way possible, which means by the upper ground, more precisely by the most direct area of acess: Alto Arrábida Road. I placed the kitchen, the living room, the study and the bathroom on the upper ground because I considered it brighter. The entire upper area is in constant contact with water mirrors and with the surrounding landscape.

           Crossing the great arm that connects the two ground, in a superior way, we can reach a more peaceful and quieter area of the house: five bedrooms and their private siting areas, separated by movable awnings.It is a larger and more open space, where one can still find, in a well hidden location, the laundry and a quite reasonable drying area in the open air.

         I tried to adapt the building to adapt as far as possible to the ground and to its main directions, so that the idea of route could be more enhanced.