Verde Living is an architectural project designed as a guesthouse and olive oil production center, situated in Barreira, Portugal. This project emphasizes flexibility and adaptability in its design, catering to diverse visitor needs while fostering a connection with the surrounding landscape. The architecture integrates contemporary aesthetics with traditional elements, focusing on sustainability and communal experiences.

The primary function of Verde Living is to serve as an accommodating space for various group sizes, promoting interaction among guests. The layout features versatile living spaces that can transition between privacy and communal activities, ensuring that the guesthouse meets multiple operational requirements.

Unique Design Approaches

A key aspect of Verde Living is its modular design. The structure employs a 1 x 2 principle that allows for rooms to be rearranged or converted as needed, adapting to the flow of guests. This flexibility not only serves practical purposes but also enhances the overall guest experience by promoting sociability. The architecture incorporates a cube-like form with distinct carving to facilitate individual terraces and shared loggias, providing private outdoor spaces while maintaining a cohesive design.

Materiality plays an essential role in the project. Reinforced concrete forms the foundation and critical structural elements, ensuring durability. Timber frame construction utilizes wood for warmth and connection to nature, while natural stone used on the ground floor blends the building with its landscape. Expansive glass windows enhance transparency, allowing natural light to flow into the spaces and creating visual continuity between indoor and outdoor environments.

Architectural details, such as bay windows and balconies, are thoughtfully incorporated to enhance both the functionality and aesthetics of the guesthouse. These features optimize views of the olive groves and promote cross-ventilation, significantly impacting energy efficiency.

Environmental integration is another distinctive aspect of the design. By situating the building on a hillside, the project benefits from natural cooling and advantageous views, reinforcing a sense of place that resonates with the local environment. This connection with the landscape is foundational to Verde Living's architectural ethos, promoting an immersive experience for visitors.

For further exploration of this project, including in-depth architectural plans and design details, interested readers are encouraged to review the project presentation to gain deeper insights into its innovative design and architectural ideas. Consider examining the architectural sections to understand the spatial organization and relationships within the building.