Archello Awards 2026 · Enter your projects before 30 September 2026
Archello Awards 2026 · Enter your projects before 30 September 2026
Boa Vista House
José Henrique Paiva

Project Description

The Boa Vista House was designed for a family that enjoys hosting friends and throwing parties. Set on an upward-sloping lot with a stunning view of the Serra da Moeda, the social area of the house was oriented toward the front portion of the plot. For this reason, the kitchen and dining area occupy the center of the floor plan within an integrated space featuring double-height ceilings. Surrounding this living space, the rest of the house is organized, with special attention paid to its integration with the outdoor leisure areas.

The design takes advantage of the lot's slope to ensure privacy for the residents by setting the building back from the front property line. The generous use of glass and the placement of the utility areas at the rear of the lot ensure the best possible use of the view and sunlight for the pool.

Caption
photo_credit José Henrique Paiva
José Henrique Paiva

Another important demand from the clients was the creation of spacious verandas that would connect with the interior and create a fluid transition between indoors and outdoors. To achieve this, an organic floor design was proposed, encircling the entire social area. The flooring merges with the proposed landscaping, inviting residents to occupy the entire plot. The bedroom block, located on the second floor, enhances these areas by forming eaves that provide shade and protection for the ground-floor verandas.

Structurally, the project utilizes a mixed system, featuring solid wood columns and primary steel beams. The roof structure consists of glulam (glued laminated timber) beams and a dry enclosure system using structural wall panels and a waterproofing membrane.

Caption
photo_credit José Henrique Paiva
José Henrique Paiva

To provide structural bracing, a rigid reinforced concrete core ensures the stability of the whole assembly and was dimensioned to accommodate an elevator in the future, should it be necessary. The second-floor slab was also executed using a dry construction system, utilizing wall panels and solid wood plank flooring.

At the rear of the lot, an annex was built to house a reading and workspace, alongside an extra support bedroom. A series of custom furniture pieces were designed, such as a bookshelf, a desk, and drawer units for file storage. The furniture reflects the house's structural principles and helps bring cohesion to the overall project.

Caption
Caption
Share or Add Boa Vista House to your Collections