Search
A quiet retreat for slow living, this house boasts a series of horizontal volumes that blend into a gorgeous landscape.
Somewhere in Melides, in the region of Alentejo, Portugal, there’s a quiet piece of land where century-old cork trees grow, providing shade to the arid land. The location charmed an international family who tasked Sabrab Architecture with the design of a large retreat where they could slow down, live close to nature, and host friends. Inspired by the beauty of the site, the studio created a series of low, horizontal volumes that follow the topography of the site and minimize their visual impact on the landscape.
Nestled among the cork trees, the house almost dissolves into its surroundings. The studio drew inspiration from vernacular architecture to create the contemporary design while keeping nature as the main character of the site. Finished with a natural lime plaster, the volumes have a quiet presence that enhances the warm hues of the landscape. Large windows frame the nearby trees like floor-to-ceiling paintings, bringing in plenty of natural light inside the living spaces.
Sabrab Architecture designed the interiors with a restrained material palette and neutral colors. The minimalist style not only creates a tranquil atmosphere throughout the house but also lets the beauty of nature shine. Carefully chosen design pieces include iconic Vitra Eames chairs as well as Barcelona chairs designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. Contemporary lighting, artworks, photographs and sculptures complement custom wood furniture, natural materials and delicate textures in living spaces that exude refined elegance. Photography by Ivo Tavares Studio.
