Type of Work: Single-Family Housing Construction
Client: Private
Location: Aveiro, Portugal
Project Author: Maria Fradinho
Architectural Licensing Team: Daniel Antunes
Architectural Execution Team: Sara Garcia e Daniel Antunes
Specialties: Pedro Tavares
3D: Alan Costa
Project Date: 2026
Construction Date: –
Plot Area: 322 m2
Implantation Area: 111 m2
Gross Construction Area: 182 m2
Photography: –
This three-bedroom single-family home is part of an urban development in Aveiro.
The characteristics of the urban development dictated the evolution of this architectural piece, as the small size of the lot and its proximity to neighbors required careful planning of the land use.
The house is proposed as a detached, rectangular monolithic structure with two floors above ground level. No annexes are planned, with all rooms concentrated in the main building.
Built on a plot measuring 23.0 m deep and 14.0 m wide, the building is proposed to be arranged longitudinally to the plot, with a depth of 14.5 m and a width of 8.0 m.
It is a compact house, where the programmatic distribution is cohesive in order to focus on the essentials of family comfort.
The premise of the project is harmony between the interior of the building and its exterior space. The great challenge was to find its potential for diverse enjoyment of this inside-outside relationship, despite the small size of the lot and its close proximity to the buildings on neighboring lots.
It was therefore proposed to retain the east-facing front façade and enclose the north façade, prioritizing the south and west façades for the desired interior-exterior relationship.
The patio then extends not only to the rear west side, but also to the south side of the plot, in an attempt to optimize the sunny outdoor space.
The project aims to prioritize light and views of a well-kept garden, ensure the quality of the interior spaces in relation to the exterior, and, on the other hand, ensure proper privacy, given the proximity to neighboring buildings.
This created a suspended and open space to the west, which can be used for different outdoor activities, either covered, semi-covered, or completely uncovered, through its connection to the metal pergola at south.
The house selects the outdoor space that it embraces and protects, incorporating it into the daily use of the house. It creates a patio that is not only thoughtful and exclusive, but also multifaceted, allowing for open garden areas, semi-covered green and paved areas, or covered paved areas, enhancing the potential of that space.
This house was, therefore, strategically laid out to ensure comfort and proximity, without sacrificing the enjoyment of good interior and exterior sun exposure, as well as the desirable relationship between the interiors and their landscaped surroundings.
