House in Elvas

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This is a single volume simple house, adapted to the contingencies of the territory with a soft declivity deformation towards the built polygon’s diagonal. The roof participates, inclining and reinforcing the movement, sliding in the same direction, lightening the volume at the same time as it solves the water draining, all in the economical spirit of the design. The internal floor also bends in stairs to cope with the land declivity, as a topographic reference in the interior spaces. A patio splits the two closed areas, allowing the spaces to open up without loosing the desired privacy. Two awnings will soften the excessive light, with a small tree for company. This patio opens only towards Elvas, to the North. In the site, beside the new house, rests an old water tank. It’s also a pure volume that justifies and supports its new company.

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architecture

Pedro Matos Gameiro (coordination) and Carlos Crespo

design team

Gonçalo Pinheiro, Marlene Sarreira

structures

João Paulo Cardoso - PRPC, engenheiros

hidraulics

Pedro Romano - PRPC, engenheiros

electrical engineering

José Palmeiro

project year

1999-2003

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