Crato House
Site was the main reference to this project.
A beautiful property in 'Alto Alentejo', Portugal, characterized by a smooth topography of small hills and slight depressions, surrounded by oaks and cork trees.
At its lowest level there is a natural water reservoir fed by a narrow stream of water.
The house is rooted typologically and constructively in the architectural culture of the region. The patio, the porch and the materials used are examples of that.
In the patio, there's a small central fountain which adds some freshness and poetry to the space. The porch gives sun protection and allows a sheltered course around the house.
The plan expresses the simplicity of traditional architecture, the connection between spaces and their dynamics. It seeks to maximize space into useful compartments of the house avoiding its consumption in circulation spaces. The squared plan allows to distribute spaces symmetrically around the patio admitting some exceptions. Three main wings are identified, the wing of the rooms, the social wing and services wing.
The pool is almost an extension of the house to the plain, designed as an independent element. Its privileged location allows a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside.
