Encosta House

Hailing from Portugal, the SIA arquitectura studio believes that cities should not merely serve utilitarian purposes but also offer spaces where people can relax and unwind. The Encosta residence is a testament to this philosophy, providing a peaceful retreat undisturbed by its surroundings. Drawing inspiration from the traditional architecture of the local coastal regions, the design team embraced the use of locally sourced materials to honor the land. The main house comprises two parallel structures connected by a vertical volume, perched atop the sloping terrain to host the primary living spaces. Sliding open the large central doors reveals an expansive garden, while the surrounding four structures, serving as guest accommodations, balance privacy with a connection to the vast, open landscape.

Here, every limewashed wall is designed to respect the natural contours of the land, transforming the terrain into a tasteful living space. The low-lying architecture engages harmoniously with the landscape, with its simple framework incorporating openings, joints, and intentional voids to allow natural light to permeate every corner. The pure cream tones evoke the sandy hues of the surrounding environment, while the accents of wood and black elements infuse vibrancy into the overall design. This approach, which minimizes the visual presence of the built structures, enables residents to breathe deeply, savoring the unbounded purity of nature’s beauty.