SAA House by aste arquitectura in Oliveira de Azemeis, Portugal

Project: SAA House Architects: aste arquitectura Location: Oliveira De Azemeis, Portugal Area: 1,367 sq ft Year: 2021 Photography: José Campos, Ana Isabel Costa e Silva

SAA House by aste arquitectura

The SAA House in Oliveira de Azemeis, Portugal underwent reconstruction and internal re-planning to optimize living spaces. The project involved creating a new opening and structural modifications that allowed for the addition of a bedroom in the attic. The wooden roof appears detached from the outer walls, neatly showcasing the changes made. The southern living area and kitchen provide a connection to the beautiful natural surroundings. With attention to details and retention of the main entrance, the house now offers an improved program and closer integration between interior and exterior spaces.

Built at the beginning of the 20th century on a very long and narrow plot, the house consisted of two volumes. The main entrance was in the primary volume, while the kitchen was in a secondary, lower one. This structure had some defects easily remedied, particularly the roof structure.

However, the family wanted to renovate their grandparents' house with a more complex program than usual. The main goal was creating living spaces that allowed enjoyment of the southern side of the plot, carefully preserving the rural landscape.

Therefore, the existing interior layout was changed while retaining only the main entrance.

Thus, to the north of the entrance, where there used to be a living room, now stands a double bedroom. The kitchen space (with an independent entrance and direct access to the south of the plot) was replaced by a bathroom, closing off the entrance door and a laundry room with direct access to the street, keeping the existing one.

To the south are located the living area and kitchen, with a new opening created that differs from typical window proportions in stone brick houses. For this purpose, a concrete beam was constructed. Using this structural necessity, it was decided to install a surround around the house, increasing its height by 35 cm. Thanks to this design, it became possible to change the roof, simplify its structure and add a room in the attic.

Some details were designed so that changes would be noticeable both inside and outside.

On the exterior, wooden elements forming the roof structure do not touch the outer walls, showing that this is an additional element. On the other hand, inside, the surround remains visible due to the stone masonry, simply painted.

-aste arquitectura