Project Description: Hidden House
Overview:
Hidden House is an award-winning private residence that masterfully integrates architecture with its natural surroundings. Nestled on an 800 m² cliffside plot overlooking the ocean in Lagos, Portugal, this project is a testament to innovative design, sustainability, and respect for the environment. Completed in 2022, the house has garnered international acclaim, including the Red Dot: Design Concept 2024, WAF 2024 finalist, THE PLAN Award 2024, and numerous other prestigious accolades.
Design Concept:
The primary challenge of the project was to create a residence that would blend harmoniously with the rugged cliffside landscape, adhering to the local municipality's requirement for minimal visual impact. The design team achieved this by crafting a structure that appears as a single-story building from the road and is nearly invisible from the ocean and downtown perspectives. The house follows the natural topography, with terraces that extend the landscape, creating a fluid transition between architecture and nature.
Architectural Features:
- Atrium Structure: The heart of the design, the atrium, organizes the house into independent architectural units, each with its own function. The volumes are meticulously arranged to optimize space and maintain a low profile, ensuring the house does not disrupt the natural context.
- Material Palette: The use of architectural concrete and metal, finished in sandy tones, allows the house to mimic the surrounding rocky terrain, blending seamlessly into the environment.
- Pools: The house features two pools—a cantilevered swimming path with glass sides and a bottom, offering breathtaking ocean views, and a larger pool at the lower level facing the cliff.
- Staff Building and Roof Garden: A separate staff building with an exploitable roof garden provides a serene retreat, offering panoramic views of the landscape.
- Entrance and Courtyard: A bridge leads to the ground floor entrance, while an inner courtyard on the lower level is accessible via a staircase alongside a cascading waterfall.
Sustainability and Innovation:
- Solar Energy: Solar panels on the roof harness both solar and thermal energy, used for heating the pool and the house during cooler periods.
- Water Management: Rainwater collection systems, including tanks and funnels, address the challenges of the rocky terrain, providing water for irrigation and technical needs.
- Insulation and Ventilation: The house is oriented to maximize natural light and ventilation, with swivel lamellas on windows regulating insolation to ensure comfort even in the hottest months.
Awards and Recognition:
Hidden House has been celebrated globally for its innovative design and contribution to contemporary architecture. Among its many honors are the Red Dot: Design Concept 2024, WAF 2024 finalist, THE PLAN Award 2024, Architecture MasterPrize 2024 (Honorable Mention), and Architizer A+Awards 2024 finalist, among others.
Conclusion:
Hidden House is a masterful blend of architectural ingenuity and environmental sensitivity. By respecting the natural landscape and incorporating sustainable technologies, the project sets a new standard for modern residential design. Its ability to disappear into its surroundings while offering luxurious living spaces makes it a true architectural gem and a deserving recipient of international acclaim.