DL House establishes a dialogue between architecture and nature, creating an environment characterized by light, privacy, and continuity with the landscape. Conceived as a single-family residence, the project seeks to integrate architecture and nature through a restrained formal language, passive environmental strategies, and a spatial organization that promotes both openness to the outdoors and a sense of enclosure.
Located in Quinta da Bicuda, in Cascais, the project is set within an established residential context characterized by a high density of single-family homes and closely spaced lots. The design addresses the need for a home capable of ensuring privacy while maintaining a clear and fluid connection between interior and exterior spaces. At the same time, the design addresses the site’s topography and climatic conditions in a sensitive and context-oriented manner, reinforcing the relationship between architecture, landscape, and daily life.
The house was conceived as a single two-story volume, where the program is clearly divided into social, private, and service areas. Five suites define the private domain, while the social spaces open onto the garden and outdoor terraces, creating a transition between indoor and outdoor living. Large glazed openings reinforce this continuity, allowing natural light to penetrate deep into the interior while framing views of the surrounding landscape.
At the heart of the project, the courtyard serves as the home’s primary organizing element. More than just a circulation space, this open area structures spatial perception by establishing continuous visual connections between the home’s different areas. The courtyard brings natural light into the heart of the built volume, creating changing atmospheres throughout the day and reinforcing the sense of openness inside the home. Slatted wooden panels define transitional zones between interior and exterior spaces, filtering light and views while creating a dynamic interplay of shadow, transparency, and texture. These elements also contribute to the building’s environmental performance by promoting natural ventilation and offering protection from the prevailing northeasterly winds.
The project is guided by passive environmental strategies, including the orientation of spaces according to their use and the protection of south-facing facades through carefully dimensioned projections that provide effective solar control. The choice of materials prioritizes durability, thermal comfort, and long-term performance, contributing to the home’s overall efficiency and sustainability.
The image of this house is defined by the interplay between light-toned pigmented concrete and natural wood, establishing a sober and cohesive material language that extends from the interior to the outdoor spaces. The result is a contemporary residence that combines spatial clarity, environmental sensitivity, and a strong connection to the landscape, creating a serene and enduring atmosphere.
