Alpiarça House by GGLL

Architecture: Gabriela Gonçalves + Leonel Lopes 

Location: Alpiarça

Year: 2009

Program: Housing

Team: Gary Barber, Frederico Gomes, Hugo Salvador, 

José Doroana, Miguel Malaquias 

Construction: Aranha construções 

Photography: Gabriela Gonçalves, Gary Barber , Miguel Malaquias  

The project consists of two longitudinal volumes that are positioned on the lot like two programmatic containers: the first one is occupied by the living areas (lounge, dining room and kitchen) where there is greater transparency to the outside and the surrounding landscape. The second volume contains the bedrooms, bathrooms and garage. Between these two volumes there is a rhythm of external and internal spaces occupied by the entrance, hallways and patio. These spaces create different types of ambiance throughout the day due to the different types of sunlight and also the possibility of transparency between these volumes. The rational organization of these volumes allows distinct views from different depths that cross the house in different directions. On the other hand, the bedrooms, a more closed and intimate space, face east, with views of the vineyards. Two transversal volumes are positioned at the top of the house, composed of two chimneys and allow lighting to the bathrooms and distribution areas. The kitchen and fireplace, both adjacent to the living room, are carved into the walls and lit by two ceiling windows that recall the fireplaces of traditional regional architecture.