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Refuge in Gateiras

2023 Cabeceiras de Basto, Portugal

128 m²

3D artist: Sara Neglia

The project consists of the renovation of an old oil mill in ruins in the hills of Cabeceiras de Basto. Despite the scars of time, it was decided to keep the ruin intact while a new building is constructed inside it. The house, intended for tourist rental, is designed to comfortably accommodate four people, with space to receive guests.

Divided into two floors, access is via the upper floor, where there is a bright day area at the height of the canopy of imposing trees such as an oak and a plane tree. From there, there is a panoramic view of the rural landscape, with mountains, vineyards and a river. The lower floor houses two suites that enjoy privacy, protected by the ruin. The design plays with contrasts between the old and the modern, the exposed and the private.

The new volume of the building, clad in green zinc, establishes a strong contrast with the main façade due to its texture and geometry. A window on the side is a transitional element between old and new, creating a suggestive façade composition and allowing strategic light into the interior stairwell.

The structure of the house, with visible and slender wooden pillars, stands out for its natural beauty, respecting the architectural pre-existence. This structural solution allows flexibility in the interior spaces, creating a harmonious dialogue between old and new. The mill re-emerges as a modern and welcoming home, integrated into the rural environment.

The project pays homage to wood, used in both the concept and the construction system, creating a warm atmosphere inside and a façade that blends in with the natural surroundings.

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