In the realm of architectural innovation, few concepts resonate as beautifully as the marriage between human habitation and the natural world. Architect Daniel Capela Duarte’s latest proposal embodies this ethos with striking clarity, offering a harmonious blend of functionality, elegance, and a profound embrace of nature.
The genesis of Duarte’s proposal unfolds with the vision of “a hug to nature.” This conceptual framework manifests in the form of a simple yet captivating architectural volume—a rectangular parallelepiped that gracefully contours to envelop the surrounding landscape, oriented towards the south and embracing the land it inhabits.
Spanning two floors, the design seamlessly integrates both private and social spaces. The lower floor, nestled in the basement, accommodates practical areas such as the garage and technical spaces, while the upper floor hosts the heart of social interaction and privacy with its four suites, kitchen, living room, and essential amenities.
One of the most captivating aspects of Duarte’s design lies in its enigmatic exterior path leading to the entrance—a deliberate choice to highlight the natural slope and promote privacy while evoking a sense of curiosity. As visitors approach, they are visually guided towards the entrance, where a direct connection to the patio and surrounding landscape awaits, fostering a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor realms.
Materiality plays a crucial role in reinforcing the proposal’s connection to nature. The choice of exposed concrete, crafted with traditional methods using nailed wooden formwork, imbues the structure with a resilient and austere character, seamlessly blending it into its natural surroundings. Contrasting elements in golden metal add a touch of opulence and refinement, creating a harmonious balance between ruggedness and elegance.
A standout feature of the design is the integration of the swimming pool within the volumetric composition of the house. By rotating the slab of the first floor towards the south-west direction, Duarte not only creates a natural relationship between the living room and outdoor space but also enhances the visual tension with the suspended pool volume. This architectural gesture not only captivates the eye but also introduces a new auditory dimension with the soothing sound of a waterfall, further accentuating the sensory experience of the space.
In essence, Architect Daniel Capela Duarte’s proposal transcends the conventional boundaries of residential architecture, offering more than just a dwelling but a sanctuary that celebrates the inherent beauty of nature. With its thoughtful design principles and meticulous attention to detail, this architectural masterpiece stands as a testament to the profound connection between human creativity and the natural world.
Fact Sheet
Project name: CASA DE BOURO
Firm name: MUTANT ARQUITECTURA & DESIGN
Principal Architect: DANIEL CAPELA DUARTE
Location: GUARDENHA – TERRAS DE BOURO
Size: 450,00 m2
Photo Credit: Ivo Tavares Studio
