RPFV House by NOARQ: Modern Minimalism Built on Historical Foundations

In the rolling landscapes of Santo Tirso, Portugal, the RPFV House by NoArq presents a vibrant blend of past and present. This three-level modern home rises from the ruins of a demolished house, transforming layers of memory and materials into a minimalist structure made of concrete and slate, harmoniously blending with the pastures while maintaining a bold architectural identity.

Location and Context: Construction on Ruins

The RPFV House occupies a 1697 m² plot, bounded by a steep west-east slope and agricultural reserve land. Of this area, only 600 m² could be used for construction, with the rest remaining as agricultural land. The original site consisted of a stone house, barn, and granary with marble walls and slate roofs.

NoArq's strategy preserved the essence of the place, reinterpreting its material lexicon. Retaining the lower walls and slate tiles, the new house creates a dialogue between old foundations and modern living spaces. New volumes do not impose an urban facade but instead integrate into the land's morphology, settling on the slope and expanding toward the pastures.

Architectural Concept: Layers of Time and Materials

The new house unfolds across 643 m² on three levels, each with distinct functions yet unified by a common material structure. Built entirely from reinforced concrete and clad in dark slate, the house appears eternal, connected to its geological context.

• First Level (Level -2, below street): Once a basement, now reorganized as social space. The patio lets light and air into living and dining areas, connecting the new to remnants of the old.

• Second Level (Level -1, mezzanine): The heart of daily life. A covered parking area connects to the kitchen corridor, while living spaces open onto a large patio.

• Third Level (Street level): Reserved for private spaces. Bedrooms and bathrooms open to views of the pastures and horizon. Flat roofs extend into terraces, transforming rooftops into outdoor plazas.

This structure balances public, semi-private and private zones, reflecting contemporary domestic life while preserving the traditional hierarchy of rural houses.

Materials and Atmosphere

The materiality anchors the house in history and place:

• Shingle and Granite: The lower walls of the old house were preserved, grounding the new structure in the stone terraces of the landscape.

• Slate: Dark, weathered slate covers the reinforced concrete, creating a volume that appears monumental and unobtrusive at once.

• Concrete: Modern and structural, yet softened by stone and slate textures, it ensures durability and longevity.

Inside, natural light enters through courtyards and voids, bringing life to the material weight. The dark exterior opens into bright interiors that shift in tone as sunlight penetrates.

Living Experience

The RPFV House is designed for smooth transitions between interior and exterior spaces. Social zones on lower levels flow into shaded patios, while bedrooms above open onto terraces overlooking the agricultural reserve. Each level offers framed encounters with the landscape:

• The sunny patio on the first level recalls the past basement.

• The second level balances protection and openness, centered around the main family patio.

• The third level captures panoramic views, offering terraces that function as extensions of the horizon.

This spatial choreography turns the house into a living continuum, connecting memory, landscape, and everyday life.

Sustainability and Regional Identity

Reusing structural stones and slate allowed NoArq to minimize waste and embed the project in local craftsmanship traditions. The house employs passive strategies: patios for ventilation, terraces for shade and orientation toward natural light. Rather than erasing the past, the design amplifies it, creating architecture of continuity.

What Makes the RPFV House Stand Out

Photographs © Fernando Guerra | FG+SG