The proposal by Nuno Melo Sousa also plays with geometry in order to adapt the project to the always difficult situation of working with an inner courtyard. The geometric game turns into a volumetric game with which configure the modules that are linked among themselves in order to house the all proposed program.
To be highlighted the skylight which is raised over the roof, built with traditional slate shingles, and that beyond providing natural light into the inner spaces, it gives shape to the cover and creates a easy way to recognise the project among the pre-existing buildings.
Description of the project by Nuno Melo Sousa
A house as a sum of attachments, without a living area.
Among the volumetric shapes and add-ons, a patio.
A horizontal platform and two black volumes.
In order not to disrupt the house´s daily life, the main structure was built without destroying the existent windowed yellow wall. Thus, the project comes up with the idea of placing a slab in exposed concrete that supports the existing coverage and stands in tension with the movement of the upper bound gallery. A large skylight emerges in traditional slate shingles, evoking the same material use as the existent vernacular kitchen on the plot´s opposite side and providing light and ventilation to the new living room.The existing pavement was kept as wellas the existent roof.
After the implementation of the concrete slab and supportingelements, the wall that once bordered the narrow living space, was finally demolished, connecting the new space and the corridor.
Text.- Nuno Melo Sousa.
CREDITS.-
Architect.- Nuno Melo Sousa.
Structure.- Bruno Caetano.
Construction.- Vieira Esposa e Filhos, Lda.
Location.- Penafiel, Portugal.
Dates.- April - August 2014.
