Bak Gordon architecture office desiged House in Quelfes.  A building in a flat site, sourrounded by trees, with a continuous wall that the interior and exterior. Τhe Interior spaces are separated by timber elements that are painted to give great prominence.

-text by the authors

The site is almost flat and is surrounded by a landscape typical of the south, with drought tolerant trees and various species of cactus, so the building appears to be very artificial.

It is located at the centre of the property on a 20 x 20 m platform. On this base one continuous wall is built, defining the interiors as well as the exterior spaces.

Interior spaces are separated by timber elements that are painted to give great prominence. Four external terraces, protected from the sun by a structure, complete the geometry of the roof and extend the house’s living spaces, providing a choice of views and temperature throughout the day.

To intensify the relationship between interior and exterior all voids open onto terraces, and at the edge of the platform the walls are completely blank. The deformed geometric shape of the roof emphasizes the centralized character of the building and generates a strong spatial dynamic.

Working with the different materials of the form, although easily recognized, became one of the strongest generators of the project.

Credits & Details

Architecture: Ricardo Bak Gordon

Collaboration: Luís Pedro Pinto, Nuno Matos, Walter Perdigão

Site location: Quelfes, Olhão

Client: Private

Construction: Rui Pedrosa

Especialidades: Proença & Neves Associados

Areas: 220sqm

Date: Works completion in 2007 

Photographs: Leonardo Finotti


RELATED ARTICLES