Horta House by MATÉRIAS Architecture + Interiors in Tregosa, Portugal

Project: Horta House Architects: MATÉRIAS Architecture + Interiors Location: Tregosa, Portugal Area: 3,476 sq ft Year: 2022 Photography by: Wood Target

Horta House by MATÉRIAS Architecture + Interiors

The Horta House, designed by MATÉRIAS Architecture + Interiors in Tregosa, Portugal, draws inspiration from traditional agricultural plots of Minho and their auxiliary buildings. With an emphasis on sustainability, the house includes renewable energy sources and bioclimatic systems while focusing on functionality in space distribution. The building is strategically positioned to take advantage of the natural slope and orientation of the site, resulting in varied volumes with harmonious proportions and controlled solar exposure.

The conceptual idea of the house is based on a simple design inspired by agricultural plots of Minho and their auxiliary buildings to support agriculture. (very important) sustainable care is also related to the project: spatial distribution was made according to functionality criteria, as well as implementation of renewable energy sources and bioclimatic systems.

The house is arranged to utilize the topography of the site, using its natural slope and orientation (northwest/southeast). The result is a building composed of various volumes, all at the same height, which provides a very balanced and harmonious perception of the entire complex, as well as more controlled and thoughtful solar exposure according to usage hours. The spaces between volumes also allow for private or public terraces. On this naturally sloping plot, the house appears built transversely and below ground level, enabling a simpler and smoother interaction with the environment while preserving the landscape.

Thus, reaching ground level, there are two paths: pedestrian and vehicle. The pedestrian path leads through a ramp to the main entrance of the house. Inside, the corridor begins the entire spatial structure, providing access to the garage, an external entrance with full visibility of the site on the northwest and access to the public area.

The living quarters have a direct and diverse connection with the garden, which seems like an integral part of the landscape and presents itself organically and gently throughout the complex. The bedroom terrace is the most intimate outdoor space, hidden between two volumes of the house, enhancing comfort and coziness in this area. The layout of the house is designed to be very intuitive and simple, allowing spaces never to lose their own identity, mixing public areas while separating private ones. The central corridor serves as the foundation of the entire project.

Inside, an open-plan logic prevails with the living room, dining area, and kitchen located in one space. This spatial organization promotes a family dynamic based on proximity and is ideal for those who love hosting friends and communicating without restrictions.

The living room, dining area, and kitchen have a strong connection with the garden and outside world, providing visual contact with hills on the horizon. A floor-mounted cabinet located between windows neatly conceals a utility bathroom. Wood warmth adds coziness to the atmosphere, interrupting the colder presence of white and smooth concrete flooring. After the public area, the corridor leads to two blocks connected only by a shared space. These are two bedrooms/suites directly linked to the outside world through individual terraces. Each bedroom is equipped with sanitary facilities and a wardrobe. One of them has an internal walk-in closet.

–MATÉRIAS Architecture + Interiors