Ponta Garca is located on São Miguel Island and responds to its unique coastal environment. The design focuses on blending human habitation with the natural landscape of cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean. This structure is referred to as a "home of shadows," emphasizing a concept that highlights the interaction between light, space, and nature. The layout encourages a living experience centered around openness and connectivity, offering a sense of tranquility and engagement with the surroundings.

Spatial Organization

The layout is intentionally open, moving away from traditional room divisions to create a single, flowing space. This design choice allows the various functions of the home to coexist in harmony. As residents move through the interior, they experience both private moments and communal interactions. The open organization fosters a sense of unity within the home, inviting inhabitants to engage with both the space and one another.

Light Manipulation

Natural light plays a significant role in the experience of Ponta Garca. The roof design includes carefully placed openings that invite daylight in, shaping the interior environment. This light changes throughout the day, affecting the mood and functionality of the space. Depending on the time, sunlight might flood the room or create intriguing shadows, establishing a dynamic relationship between the home and the elements outside.

Nighttime Ambiance

As day turns to night, special attention is given to maintaining a comfortable atmosphere. Reflective elements within the design help capture moonlight and softly illuminate the interiors. This subtle lighting enhances the ambiance without overshadowing the beauty of the night. The result is a peaceful setting that encourages relaxation and contemplation, blending seamlessly with the natural darkness outside.

Transparency and Continuity

The design features transparent ends that connect the indoors with the outdoors. This choice opens up the home visually, allowing the sky to seemingly merge with the structure. This visual relationship deepens the feeling of being part of the landscape, inviting the panoramic views into daily life. The transition from light to dark inside reflects the rhythms of nature, creating a backdrop that feels alive yet serene at all times.

The careful integration of light, space, and nature makes Ponta Garca a thoughtful response to its coastal site, providing a calm retreat that offers a daily connection to the surrounding environment.