CASA NO TEMPO by Aires Mateus

Description of the project by Aires Mateus

The intervention aimed to reclaim the natural beauty of the rural territory and landscape, avoiding a conventional approach by liberating the land.

This was achieved through the construction of three complementing structures. The first step was the restoration of the house, acknowledging and respecting its cultural heritage, by highlighting the natural qualities associated with this place.

The second structure introduces the element of water in the form of a swimming pool, a square in the middle of the countryside, reminiscent of the topography of a beach.

The third structure, in the process of being built, takes the shape of a square, labyrinth-like, walled garden. It will comprise of one hectare of interconnected areas, housing an array of cultivated flowers and vegetables, as well as relevant agricultural structures to the area. The garden will display a palette of visual and sensory experiences, combining and juxtaposing elements to guide visitors through the paths.

"Casa No Tempo" has been in the family for many years. It was our granddad's will that we look after it until the next generation. Being aware of his vision we tried to aim higher, connecting the past with the coming future, leaving out the marks of time, in search for a peaceful and timeless place.

THE HOUSE.

Our main concern was to have the house open to the vastness of the property and welcome Nature's gifts through the large windows of every room.

All floors are paved with local clay blocks (heated in winter); fully equipped kitchen is integrated in a beautiful white marbled structure, open to the dining table in front of a huge window overlooking a 400sq - meters swimming pool; Lounge is a luminous area with white sofas and a beautiful fireplace corner; The 4 suites are spacious with a mixture of modern bedding and local wooden furniture; Walk-in showers and toilets with ultimate finishing over handmade tiles.