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Family Residence Emphasizing Stone Masonry and Sustainable Materials in a Portuguese Landscape

Authors:
Ana cristina García murguía, Luisa Fernanda Barragán Betancourt
Family Residence Emphasizing Stone Masonry and Sustainable Materials in a Portuguese Landscape

Project in-detail

Nestled in the Portuguese countryside, this family residence uniquely blends stone masonry and oak wood features, showcasing a commitment to sustainability with its solar panels and integration of an olive oil cellar, all while harmonizing with the natural landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The residence incorporates a dedicated olive oil cellar, highlighting a focus on local agricultural practices.
02
An olive tree serves as a central landscape feature, connecting the home to Portuguese cultural heritage.
03
Large glass facades maximize natural light and create visual connections to the surrounding environment.
04
The use of stone masonry not only enhances aesthetics but also provides superior thermal insulation, contributing to the building's energy efficiency.
05
The bedroom names reflect local olive varieties, adding a unique cultural element to the interior design.
The architectural project Nalu Casa embodies a thoughtful interplay between modern design and its natural context, situated in the picturesque landscape of Portugal. This residence, crafted for the "Verde" family, effectively combines the local cultural aesthetic with sustainable architectural practices, creating a space that is functional and visually integrated into its environment. The design of Nalu Casa emphasizes a commitment to fostering a sense of community while maintaining personal tranquility for its occupants.

Functionally, Nalu Casa is a multipurpose residential space that accommodates various activities for family living. The floor plan is organized around communal zones, including a spacious living room that encourages social interaction, a meditation room aimed at promoting mental well-being, and a cellar designed for the preservation of local olive oil, reflecting a dedication to organic and local traditions. Each space is intentionally designed to facilitate familial connections while offering areas for individual reflection, showcasing a nuanced understanding of modern living dynamics.

The architectural elements of the project reveal a keen awareness of both the environment and local materials. The use of large windows throughout the building is a significant design choice that enhances natural light usage and connects the interior spaces to the beautiful outdoor landscape. This design decision creates a visual continuity that invites nature into the home while allowing residents to remain aware of their surroundings at all times. The strategically placed terraces extend the living space outdoors, providing areas for relaxation as well as social gatherings, effectively bridging the indoor and outdoor environments.

The material selection for Nalu Casa is intentional and speaks to the project’s ethos. Incorporating plaster finished walls provides a rustic yet refined aesthetic, while stone masonry contributes to structural integrity and thermal insulation. Glass elements promote transparency, reinforcing the relationship between the interior and exterior, and wooden details, such as oak wood ceilings and gates, add warmth to the overall feel. Furthermore, sustainable practices are integrated through features like solar panels and a green roof for rainwater collection, which demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to environmental responsibility.

Unique design approaches in Nalu Casa are evident in the way the architects have woven together local traditions with contemporary needs. For instance, naming the bedrooms after Portuguese olive varieties adds a layer of cultural resonance to the design, creating a personal and memorable experience for residents. The central presence of an olive tree in the outdoor terrace serves as a focal point, symbolizing not just ecological awareness but also a connection to local customs and heritage. This thoughtful integration of cultural elements into the fabric of the design sets Nalu Casa apart from conventional residential architecture, creating a narrative that resonates with the identity of the space.

The overall architectural design is characterized by a strong emphasis on sustainability, user experience, and local identity, bringing together functionality and aesthetics without compromising on either. The careful planning and execution involved in creating Nalu Casa underscore the importance of thoughtful design in residential architecture. By prioritizing user needs and environmental considerations, this project stands as a testament to how contemporary architecture can effectively respect and enhance its context.

For readers interested in exploring the nuances of Nalu Casa further, a detailed examination of architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas is recommended. These elements will provide more insight into the careful planning and innovative approaches that define this project. Each component, from the material selections to the spatial arrangements, reflects a mindful consideration of how architecture can enhance living experiences while remaining grounded in cultural and environmental contexts.
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MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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