The single-family house with the simple name Casa M was designed by the architectural firm Silverine in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal. The plot on which the building was constructed is characterised by a pronounced slope – the difference in height between the street and the central part of the site is approximately three metres. In order to adapt the building to these conditions, the architects decided to use a half-level layout. From the street side, the house gives the impression of being on one floor, while from the garden it develops over two floors. The entrances and the entrance to the property are located at street level. From here, residents can access both the living area on the upper mezzanine floor and the common areas located below, at natural ground level.
The lower storey, although formally designated as -1, is not below ground level. Its façade opens up on three sides of the world, providing good light and ventilation to the rooms. This layout makes maximum use of the topography of the site and integrates the building with its surroundings.
Casa M and its functional division of space
The plan of the house is based on three main zones. In the central part, there is an entrance hall from which one can pass to the other parts of the building. On the same level, a garage for three cars, a technical room and a room that can be used as a study or guest room, equipped with a private bathroom, are located. The private area houses the master bedroom with its own bathroom and dressing room and two smaller bedrooms. Each of them also has its own bathroom, dressing room and access to a balcony. The façade of the upper floor is finished with vertical solid wood fins, giving the building a more elegant and positive visual perception – especially against the backdrop of the predominantly raw concrete.
Open-plan interior overlooking the garden
The lower level of the house is dedicated to the living area. It houses the living room, kitchen, guest bathroom, laundry room and a small games room. The space opens up onto the garden and pool area through large glazing and two covered terraces, which provide a seamless transition between the interior and exterior. The living area has been designed as an open space in which the living room, kitchen and dining area form a whole. Subtle transitions between functions and the consistent use of the same materials, namely wood and micro-cement, reinforce this impression of cohesion. The kitchen is equipped with a panel system that allows the utility elements to be completely hidden, making it possible to change the character of the interior as required. In addition, the space between the kitchen and the living room can be closed off with sliding wood panels, thus regulating the level of openness of the room.
Casa M materials and aesthetics
The design of the house is based on modern assumptions that prioritise contact with the environment and the use of natural materials. The body of the building is shaped by architectural concrete, wood and stone. The juxtaposition of these raw materials creates an aesthetic that is raw but elegant, while emphasising the durability and timeless simplicity of the form.
Project: Silverline
Principal architects: Jorge Prata and Eduardo Soares
Location: Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
Total area: 406.5 sq m.
Photography: Ivo Tavares Studio
Also read: single-family house | Concrete | Interiors | Minimalism| whiteMAD on Instagram| Portugal
