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Archello Awards 2026 · Enter your projects before 30 September 2026
House #474
João Saraiva

Tectonic Fold

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"A singular and organic geometry that folds over the landscape of the mountain itself".

The project is based on a dialogue of sharp contrasts, where a monolithic and curved roof made of natural, textured concrete stands out as the main sculptural gesture, contrasting with the lightness and purity of the immaculate white walls that support the structure. This visual tension between the monolithic and the lightness is softened by bronze details in the window openings, which add a touch of warmth and sophistication, framing them and mediating the relationship between the materials.

Essentially, the project explores how the fluid shape of the curve can be expressed through a robust and honest materiality, while the roof serves as a unifying element, sheltering the spaces and framing the landscape. The curved shape of the roof is not merely an aesthetic element, but a powerful force that shapes the spatial experience of the building.

photo_credit João Saraiva
João Saraiva
photo_credit João Saraiva
João Saraiva
photo_credit João Saraiva
João Saraiva
photo_credit João Saraiva
João Saraiva

The roof, made of natural concrete with its raw and robust texture, imposes a sculptural presence, contrasting and at the same time complementing the vertical surfaces. The relationship between materiality and form is the core of the project. The curved surface of the concrete is balanced by the immaculate whiteness of the walls located beneath it. The white provides a neutral and luminous base that maximizes the perception of light and shadow, highlighting the projected shadow and the dramatic curvature of the concrete roof, creating a visual tension.

photo_credit João Saraiva
João Saraiva
photo_credit João Saraiva
João Saraiva
photo_credit João Saraiva
João Saraiva

Punctuating this binary composition, bronze notes appear on the window frames and claddings. The bronze introduces a warm and metallic tone that adds depth, functioning as a chromatic intermediary between the cold grey of the concrete and the white. These bronze elements frame the openings, inviting the eye towards the interior and reinforcing the geometry of the building.

The curved and continuous shape of the concrete gives the building a sense of fluidity and movement that softens the solidity of its construction. The roof acts as a protective mantle, embracing the exterior space and visually connecting it to the landscape. Ultimately, the project is a cohesive dialogue where the curved shape is rigidly defined by the expressive and contrasting materiality of the concrete, the white, and the bronze.

photo_credit João Saraiva
João Saraiva
photo_credit João Saraiva
João Saraiva
photo_credit João Saraiva
João Saraiva

The project establishes a clear functional hierarchy by distinctly separating the public, private, and service areas to optimize daily living. At the core of the home lies the social zone, designed as an expansive open-plan space that integrates the kitchen, dining, and living areas while seamlessly connecting to the outdoor patio and pool. In stark contrast, the private quarters are intentionally secluded at the rear of the floor plan, utilizing a longitudinal corridor to buffer noise and distribute access to the bedrooms, including a generous master suite with a walk-in closet and a large ensuite bathroom.

Finally, the service and work spaces—comprising a two-car garage, a guest bathroom, and an isolated office—are strategically positioned near the entrance and alongside the living area, functioning as practical transitional elements that support the household without disrupting its tranquil or social dynamics.

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Project data

Project Year
2025
Primary Building Material
Concrete
Building Area
220 m2
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