Drawing from the geography of Madeira, the high mountains and the deep curved valleys, the conceptual diagram was clear from outset. The architecture responds in its planning and three- dimensional geometry by reflecting the curvature of the bay of Funchal with a dynamic sweeping arc cut from its planar roof.
Design
This relatively simple roof element, clad with locally produced terracotta tiles, makes a positive contribution to the landscape in terms of its scale, materiality and reference to vernacular architecture and local building practices. The spine that houses the services zone and parking area connects to the living zone with a vertical circulation core that penetrates through the roof. This core allows for disabled access from the parking though to the first floor. The interior living spaces are terraced down the slope allowing for open interconnecting volumes beneath the roof.
The platforms were sculpted to follow the natural ground levels while pivoting around an external courtyard to gain specific views to the city and the ocean. The design allows for the user to pause and contemplate on the natural surroundings while moving through the space. The secondary circulation path allows for various sensory experiences of walking under, through and over the functional spaces of the building. Two patios on the North-East and South-West allow for the internal living zones to extend to the exterior providing natural cross ventilation throughout the building.
The more private zone is situated on the lowest level opening up to an indigenously planted, private garden. Ultimately this home makes the most of its surroundings with regards to focusing on views. It aims to be a polite neighbor in its sensitive yet contemporary response to vernacular architecture, and its poetic interaction with the surrounding landscape.
